Past Events
October 4, 2019, 3:00-8:00 pm
First Fridays- Ghost Tours
Our October First Friday event will feature the popular Ghost Tours, as well as the usual food, music and fun!
Sunday, September 29, 2019, 2:00 pm
Great Music Without Barriers Concert
Join St Peter's Church for Russian Pianist, Halida Dinova presenting the third performance in her series "Music that tell Stories."
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Saturday, September 21, 2019, Noon-4:00 pm
International Day of Peace
Join us in South Park, 4901 Main Avenue for a celebration of Peace. This year our theme is "Climate Action for Peace" and we have a great line up of activities, performances and speakers! The presentations begin at 2:00 pm at the Peace Stone and Peace Pole.
Friday, September 6, 2019- 3:00-8:00 pm
First Friday- Chili Cook-Off & Harvest Fest
Join us for the next First Friday event on September 6th. We will once again be having local teams vie for the title of best chili. Teams include:
Ashtabula Fire Department
Ashtabula Police Department
Ashtabula Juvenile Court
Port Conneaut Credit Union
United States Army
VFW Veterans of Foreign Wars
Ashtabula Kiwanis Club
The Harvest Fest portion of the event will have a fall theme with vendors offering local produce. As always we will have great entertainment available at various locations throughout Downtown. Mark you calendars and join us!
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Tuesday, August 27, 2019, 6:00 pm
ADDA Meet & Greet
The ADDA will be hosting Larry Frimerman, Executive Director of the Ashtabula County Metroparks. Learn all about what's happening in the Metroparks on Tuesday, August 27, 6:00 pm at the Ashtabula County District Library, 4335 Park Avenue, Ashtabula. Hear about ADDA plans and progress in Downtown while networking with fellow merchants!
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Friday, August 2, 2019, 3:00-8:00 pm
First Friday- Dog Days of Summer
Dog Days of Summer Pet Parade is the theme for the August Downtown Ashtabula First Friday Street Fest. There will be the usual street vendors, food trucks, street musicians, car cruise, motorcycle meet, Treasure in the Trunk vendors and more!
But, the main event will be a pet parade in Cornelius Park. So, get you pets ready to compete and win! The Pet Parade and Talent Contest begins at 6:30pm. Make sure you stop at the ADDA booth early to fill out an entry form to be part of the parade.
July 5, 2019, 3:00- 8:00 pm
First Friday- Wellness and Safety & 1 Mile Heart Walk
Join us on Main Avenue. Everyone is invited to come downtown and be well! Hourly interactive sessions of Yoga and Zumba, U.S. Army activities, Police Info, Fire Department and Safety Trailer, Community Care CPR Training and much more!
There will be live music, food trucks, vendors, and old car enthusiasts joining us on Main Avenue and Cornelius Park for First Friday activities. Explore the new 1 mile Heart Walk. Visit "Treasures in the Trunk". Motorcycle Meet by Casa Capelli.
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June 7, 2019, 3:00- 8:00 pm
First Friday- Youth Art and Street Science
Join us on Main Avenue. Everyone is invited to come downtown and show off their artistic capabilities creating chalk art on the sidewalks. Come down to get involved with science projects in the park.
There will be food trucks, vendors, and old car enthusiasts joining us on Main Avenue and Cornelius Park for First Friday activities. We will be unveiling a new 1 mile Heart Walk. An exciting new opportunity to get in shape and walk around our wonderful downtown area. Maps and completion stickers will be provided for each participant.
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Saturday, June 22, 2019, 5:00- 6:30 pm
Free Concert in Cornelius Park
The Concert entitled A Time of Restoration will be held at Cornelius Park, corner of Main Avenue and W 44th St. Bring your own lawn chairs and blankets. There will be music and encouraging words of hope. Free food will be offered at 4:30 pm.
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Sunday, May 19, 2019, Noon- 3:00 pm
Take It To The Curb
Take It To The Curb- Clean Up Event. Meet in front of Ultimate Appearance Salon. Bring a friend, shovels, brooms, and yard gloves.
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Tuesday, April 30, 2019, 6:00 pm
ADDA Meet and Greet
Join the ADDA for a Meet and Greet at Dublin Down. Special Guest: Greg Church, Greater Ashtabula Chamber of Commerce. This is a wonderful chance to network with other Downtown merchants and get updates on ADDA plans!
Saturday, April 20, 2019, 1:30-3:00 pm
ADDA Easter Eggstravaganza!
Join the ADDA and our Event Partner, the Ashtabula Fire Department, for the 12th Annual Easter Eggstravaganza! Free games and activities! Free Easter Treats! Prizes! Take a picture with the Easter Bunny!
Previous News
Actors Needed for First Friday!
September 24, 2019
Volunteers are need to help out with our October First Friday event. If you would like to be an actor depicting an historic figure from Downtown Ashtabula's past in period costume, we can use your help! You will be given a profile of a local person from our past and you will improvise telling your story to crowds that visit Downtown. If you are interested contact Marty Cephas at mrtcephas@aol.com. There are 2 fittings scheduled for the costumes so contact Marty right away.
Art In The Alley Winners Announced!
September 18, 2019
The 4th Annual Art In The Alley was bigger and better this year with a full block of Downrown Ashtabula filled with art, music, activities, food, drink and plenty of fun! The highlight of the Art In The Alley event is of course, the fabulous art pieces that showcase the amazing talent we have here in our area. The winners of this year's juried art competition are:
Dee Riley-Photography;
Holly Michele Platt- Painting;
Kathleen Skufca- Drawing/Sketching;
Ron Tomasch- Three-Dimensional art;
Bev Gipson O'Reilly- Misc/Mixed Media
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Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to all who submitted works for the show. Great job alos, to Chris DiGiacomo, AITA Chair and his incredible committee and volunteers!
Chili Cook-Off Winners Announced!
September 18, 2019
The First Friday event held on September 6th featured the Chili Cook-Off Competition! Attendees got to sample each participant's homemade chili recipe! The winner was selected by People's Choice... and the WINNER is... Ashtabula Kiwanis Club! Followed by the Ashtabula Police Department in 2nd place and the Port Conneaut Credit Union in 3rd place. Thank you to all of the participants for making this year's Cook-Off another success!
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Bill Starcher's Scupltures on Display at First Friday!
Friday, September 6, 2019
Be sure to check out the amazing bigger than life animal scupltures created by artist Bill Starcher. They will be on display during First Friday 3:00-8:00 pm and will be located by Dublin Down Pub & Eatery on 4618 Main Ave. Downtown Ashtabula.
Only 7 Easel Sponsorships Left!
August 31, 2019
There are still a few Easel Sponsorships left. Click "Read More" below to go to the Sponsorship Page, then click the "Sponsorhsip Application & List"button. Show your support fo our many talented artists!
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Volunteers Wanted for Art In The Alley
August 15, 2019
The ADDA Art In The Alley Committee is looking for individuals to help out with the upcoming event. We have many ways you can help! Click the link to get involved!
Call for Artists! Art in the Alley!
June 30, 2019
CALL TO ARTISTS NOW OPEN! Hosted by the Ashtabula Downtown Development Association (ADDA), the 2019 Art in the Alley Festival is in its Fourth year and growing.This year’s Festival will feature a fully covered tented gallery and juried art show, artist displays, live music, food, family friendly activities. The festival grounds will start at the alley next to Dublin Down through the back parking lots along Collins Blvd. around to 46th street back to Main Avenue. Show will be held Sept 7 2019 2pm – 10pm rain or shine. Stay Tuned for more to come as we announce Festival details! Please visit http://www.ashtabulaart.com/ for details and Artist Application.
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Facade Improvement Program Announced!
June 8, 2019
The ADDA is launching a Facade Improvement Program available to Main Avenue building owners or business owners with building owner permission from Lake Avenue to W 58th St. Eligible projects will improve the look of the parts of your building visible from the public right-of-way. You can request up to $1,000 and there is a matching contribution of 50%. Hurry DEADLINE to apply is July 15th!
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The Flowers Have Arrived!
May 23, 2019
It's the time of year that the streets of Downtown come alive with beautiful flowers! Thank you to all of the merchants and other donors who give their generous support!
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Art In The Alley Sponsorships Available
May 17, 2019
There are still sponsorship opportunities left, including Easel Sponsorship. This is a great way to show your support for the many talented artists in our community. Join our Event Sponsor Zeigler Heating in presenting this Downtown Art Showcase!
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Be Listed In The 2019-2020 Business Directory
April 12, 2019
2019 -2020 Business Directory
To All ADDA Members and Downtown Businesses,
Don't miss out!! FREE listing for ALL Downtown Ashtabula Businesses, both in the directory and on the ADDA website!
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View your Directory listing by clicking here
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For any changes to your listing, or to be added, please send an email to downtownashtabula@outlook.com by April 24th
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Tell your neighbors about this FREE offer!!
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Business Directories will be distributed in The Star Beacon on May 27th, and throughout the year by the ADDA.
Want even more exposure?

View the special advertising rates!
Advertising Deadline - April 24th!!
Be Included!
Volunteer for the Easter Eggstravaganza!
April 7, 2019
The ADDA needs your help! Volunteers are needed for our 12th Annual Easter Eggstravaganza! Please signup using the link below.
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New- Follow ADDA on Instagram!
March 10, 2019
The ADDA is excited to now have an Instagram site! Many thanks to Rick Bender for creating our site. Now in addition to our Facebook page... you can check up via Instagram to keep up with all the wonderful things happening in Downtown Ashtabula.
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