The History of Ashland Day
Ashland Day began 31 years ago by two great visionaries: Ben Montenegro and Carl “ Rick” Ghilani. They saw
the town of Ashland rally support for a young teen that had been seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident.
To help with the huge cost for medical treatment the family ran this huge event at Stone Park. The event was
an enormous success. Rick and Ben decided a day celebrating town pride would be just as successful. Well,
they were right! Thirty one years later we are still celebrating Ashland’s Town Pride; a day of fun centered
on a softball game between Town departments; has since bloomed into a town pride awareness day, which
brought thousands of people together on the first Ashland Day on September 20, 1986. The intent of the
day was to emphasize the spirit and pride of the Ashland community, and to be entertaining for all. Money
raised beyond expenses was targeted to support youth, and funded several recreational facilities in Ashland.
Ashland Day with the help of many friends and sponsors built the Gazebo and the first Community building
at Stone Park, which sits on the site of the old community swimming pool, donating these structures to the
Town of Ashland for all to enjoy.
The spirit and pride have continued and abound in Ashland all year long. The proceeds raised during Ashland
Day help support other yearly sponsored programs such as, Ashland’s Annual Tuesday night free
Summer Concert Program held at the Gazebo in Stone Park, Ashland’s Annual Halloween Costume Parade
and Party offered to all children in Ashland, and finally; Ashland’s Holiday Lighting event held on the first
Saturday in December; kicking off and celebrating the Holiday Season for all Ashland residents. Over the past
decade countless residents, organizations and businesses have volunteered spirit, time, money, and expertise
to bring Ashland Day and its contributions to the town of Ashland and to the greater MetroWest community.
Thirty one years later we still ask our fellow citizens to:
Take part and be proud!
31 YEARS AND STILL GOING STRONG