HANOVER COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- A "Light Up the Tracks" event began in Ashland this weekend, kicking off the holiday season with a several fun activities. The grand illumination event was hosted by the Downtown Ashland Association, and started on Saturday, Nov. 23. People will have a chance to see the light display and take part in several other similar events from now until Wednesday, Jan. 1 in 2025. Participants had the chance to enjoy local food and several different craft vendors. There were activities for kids as well, including a petting zoo and glow-in-the-dark face painting. PREVIOUSLY: ‘Light Up the Tracks’ returns to Ashland this weekend with grand illumination event 8News spoke with Louise Keeton -- director of operations at Downtown Ashland Association -- about what they aim to accomplish with an event like this. "We want to make it a huge party by lighting up this tree, by bringing in all these incredible local arts and crafts vendors, all these amazing food trucks, and celebrating as a community and entertainers," Keeton said. To view a calendar of the Downtown Ashland Association's future events, click here. Continue scrolling to see photos from the illuminating event: (Photos courtesy of Jakobi Davis, 8News) (Photos courtesy of Jakobi Davis, 8News) (Photos courtesy of Jakobi Davis, 8News) (Photos courtesy of Jakobi Davis, 8News) (Photos courtesy of Jakobi Davis, 8News) (Photos courtesy of Jakobi Davis, 8News)