Ashland's Bicentennial

During our family’s visit to Disneyworld in February, the lovely Madelyn Simone proudly wore her happy birthday button pinned to the shoulder of her princess dress-of-the-day. Disney cast members (employees) are trained to look for those buttons, so invariably they would greet Madelyn with the magic words, “Happy birthday, Princess.” Of course, she would respond with the perfect curtsy.

So it was with great interest that I read of the “Little Princesses” component to the Miss Ashland Queen Pageant scheduled during the Ashland Bicentennial. Given her Disney experience as well as her familiarity with Cinderella, Snow White, and the Frozen Princesses (Elsa and Anna), participating in this event would be the next logical step on her path to royalty. So I was a bit disappointed to read the fine print that requires the little princesses to live in the Ashland City School District. How could I possibly convince her parents to move to Ashland by June? Not likely.

However, I really am not overly disappointed that Madelyn will miss out on the princess gig, because our granddaughter does have a bit of the Princess Merida (from the Disney movie Brave) in her as well, and I can just hear repeating Merida’s words when asked about her future: “I don’t want to get married, I want to stay single and let my hair flow in the wind as I ride through the glen firing arrows into the sunset.” And even if she can’t be an official Little Princess of Ashland, there will still be lots for her to do as the Bicentennial Celebration gets underway in the weeks ahead, because the events being planned will offer something for everyone.

One of the first events is Home Saving’s Bicentennial Ballet on May 15-16, as Opus II Dance Studio and the Ashland Regional Ballet treat us to “An Evening at the Old Opera House.” Sounds intriguing! Then there’s a Senior Recognition on June 24^th sponsored by Brethren Care and Good Shepherd Lutheran Village. I wonder if I can get in on that now that I have my own Golden Buckeye card?

Ev DeVaul and his United Way Fun Fabulous Friday team will get us in the patriotic mood on June 26th, with selections by the Salvation Army Kroc Center musicians and a variety of Happy 200^th birthday activities. Following right on its heels will be Kingston’s Downtown Bicentennial Kickoff on June 27^th, an all-day event with music and family fun on the streets of downtown Ashland.

I am hoping to convince the male members of my family to enter the beard growing contest. They should have started before now to win the Longest Beard category, but the Thickest Beard and Best Design Beard/Moustache classes are wide open. And if they shave on May 1, they can join the competition for the Best Effort Beard. I’m guessing that by the award presentation on June 27^th, there’ll be quite a few wives, girlfriends and mothers who’ll be hoping that shaving cream will be among the prize items provided by Barbasol.

Buffalo Wild Wings Vintage Baseball, a 5K Walk/Run, a Red, White and Blue Golf Scramble, and an En Plein Air painting experience are all planned over the July 4^th weekend, along with the annual Ashland County Historical Society Ice Cream Social and BalloonFest events. The holiday itself will feature an exciting Wendy’s Bicentennial Parade, and the evening will conclude with the traditional July 4^th Fireworks, sponsored this year by Coldwell Banker Ward Real Estate in memory of Robert and Margaret Ward. Much more is scheduled throughout July, culminating with a community-wide church service sponsored by Bud and Cuda Ingmand, a fitting occasion to mark the actual founding date of Ashland on July 28^th. Not exhausted yet? Events will continue through the rest of the year. Check out www.ashland200.com for details so you don’t miss out.

We had planned to be away during the height of the bicentennial celebration but our plans have changed. Now we’re able to have a “stay-cation” in July, viewing the Minions Movie, awaiting the arrival of the lovely Madelyn Simone’s still-to-be-named sister, and participating in the events of Ashland 200. What a grand celebration it will be!