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First Friday of the season

By TIM PRESTON The Independent | Posted: Saturday, May 2, 2015 12:09 am
First Friday
Ger Sasser of Crossfit Connection works out with more than 200 pounds during the
fitness fair portion of the First Friday Artwalk and Downtown Live.
ASHLAND With perfect weather for the occasion, a large and obviously happy crowd
appeared in downtown Ashland for the seasons initial First Friday Artwalk and
Downtown Live to enjoy original art, music and automotive inspiration while also
learning about ways to get, or stay, healthy.
Ive been waiting all winter for this, said Mark Murnahan of Ironton as he shared his
new project car, a 1959 El Camino he described as half car, half truck and half airplane.
As the first opportunity to get many of the show cars out since last year, the seasons first
outdoor First Friday event attracted an excellent variety of vehicles, with 111 registering
for the cruise-in. Battling for participants attention were a long row of Corvettes in front
of the Pendleton Art Center, a 1964 Corvair convertible, a 6.6 liter powered Trans Am
and a rare Yenko Camaro.
Quite noticeable among the muscle cars were a trio of relatively tiny Triumph TR-6
roadsters piloted by Bill Michael of St. Albans, Bill Hall and Kevin Worthy of
Huntington members of the West Virginia British Car Club.
Were really into driving them, Worthy said, explaining club members tend to spend
more time pursuing twisty roads than car shows.
Among the often highly-modified vehicles were a few newcomers, including a massive
Model A piloted by Ralph Ratliff of Raceland, carrying his wife, Virginia, and greatgranddaughter, Bela, along for the ride.
Ive wanted one forever and I decided Im not getting any younger, said Ratliff as he
shared his 1931 Ford Model A with the public for the first time ever.
Inside the art center, visitors enjoyed meals as well as a stroll through the open artists
studios while listening to musician Chad Stanley of Westwood, who often performed
original songs as he accompanied himself with an acoustic guitar. On the street, Dustin
Burchett and Southern Ground entertained with southern rock, country and original
music. On the sidewalk not far away, father and son Tim and Brian Brown played
acoustic guitars and sang near the entrance of The Upstairs Gallery.
Fitness was the theme for Fridays event, with numerous area businesses and
organizations offering demonstrations and information to anyone interested in learning
more about what they do. Generating a wave of excitement early in the evening, Ger
Sasser of Crossfit Connection worked with a steel bar and massive weights, starting at
225 pounds as he planned to work his way up to 295 pounds. A few feet away, Chris
Meinfelter and Brian DelCotto, both teaching pros at Ashland Tennis Center, offered fun
on a pint-sized court on the avenue in front of the Highlands Museum & Discovery

Center. Students and instructors from Eternal Yoga had all eyes upon them at the corner
near Fat Pattys as they demonstrated acro yoga.
I couldnt be more pleased. The weather and the fitness fair are fantastic, said Ashland
In Motion Executive Director Danny Craig as he surveyed the crowd. I think this is a
great way to kick off our summer.