By ROBIN FARMER TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER
Sunday, Oct 19, 2008
Nick Valentine, 19, and Justin Knapp, 20, sophomores at Randolph-Macon College, try some of the 150 cakes served during Ashland's 150th anniversary celebration Saturday, on campus. As Nick said, "It's all free." (Alexa Welch Edlund / Times-Dispatch)
On a sunny but breezy fall afternoon, hundreds gathered on the Randolph-Macon College campus to celebrate Ashland's 150th birthday.
Current and former residents as well as visitors with ties to the town and curious guests mixed for hours of entertainment, which included a 90-minute ceremony on the football field yesterday. There, marching bands performed, children sang "Ashland, Ashland" and a special Ukrop's cake featuring edible photos of signature places was presented.
Among the special guests were a 6-week-old baby and a 103-year-old woman -- the youngest and oldest residents of this family-friendly town of about 7,000.
"It's a time to not only celebrate Ashland but to celebrate my grandmother, who is the oldest living member," said Antoinette Smith, whose grandmother, Virginia Henry Shelton, turned 103 last month. "We're grateful Ashland still embraces her," Smith said.
Part of the town's appeal lies in its roots and sense of community, said Rob Stiles, president of Team 150, the committees that organized the celebration.
"He's fourth-generation," Stiles said, nodding at his tired son, Ethan, 7, whom he held.
But whether reaching to newcomers or old-timers, the celebration achieved its goal, Stiles said.
"We're just glad everyone from the community came out and got together. That was the most important thing," he said as one of several bands performed. Plus, participants said, the town throws a great bash.
To celebrate the momentous occasion, Carlene Bass asked volunteers to bake 150 varied cakes, ranging from crumb and spice to bundt and caramel. "It only took one meeting. I gave everyone their instructions," said the former teacher, as she cut slices for a steady line of folks at one of several tables surrounding the Fountain Plaza.
Everyone set up their cakes on time, too, she said proudly. "I have executive experience. I can give Sarah Palin a run for her money," Bass said.
Judging by the happy reaction of cake-eaters, many going back for seconds, Bass might be a contender.
Besides the edible cakes, another popular attraction was a 6-foot-tall birthday cake unfit for eating because it was made of clay.
Angie Willis snapped photos of her kids standing by it. "Say happy birthday!" "Happy birthday!" Luke, 4, and Caroline, 8, shouted.
She then requested a kid-free photo of the cake, which she said will be placed in the library.
"I grew up in Ashland and this is a once-in-a lifetime thing," said Willis, who lives in Midlothian. "This is a big deal!" Contact Robin Farmer at (804) 649-6312 or rfarmer@timesdispatch.com.