ASHLAND — The Candy Cane Trail at Ashland’s Freer Field will return — this year, bigger than before and with a world-breaking goal.
The city plans to hold a kick-off event on Dec. 1 to host a representative from Guinness World Records.
Planning to go?
- Where: Freer Field’s White Barn, 1260 Center St., Ashland, OH 44805
- When: Sunday, Dec. 1 at 5:30 p.m. (The Candy Cane Trail will be open daily through Jan. 5. The path closes at 9:30 p.m.)
- Tickets: No tickets necessary. The event is open and free to the public.
City officials hope the Guinness representative will pronounce the Candy Cane Trail as the “Largest display of illuminated metal structures/sculptures,” reads a press release issued by the mayor’s office on Wednesday.
Ashland Mayor Matt Miller said the minimum requirement was 400 of the illuminated metal structures or sculptures.
“But we plan for over 700,” Miller said.
The event on Dec. 1 is set to begin at 5:30 p.m. It will feature caroling and the official news from a Guinness World Records representative.
The trees — the subject of the world record — will be displayed around Freer Field’s Candy Cane Trail, which established in 2023.
“If they liked it last season, they’ll be blown away by the spectacle there this year,” Miller said.
What to expect
The paved trail begins at the white barn next to the Freer House along Center Street. Last year, the trail ended at the Ashland County Parks District community center, near Park Street.
This year, however, the trail will continue on a newly paved paved on the edge of the woods. That means the trail will begin and end at the white barn next to the Freer House, Miller said.
All along the way, spectators can expect to be dazzled by the illuminated trees and other Christmas-related displays and lights.
“Ashland, Ohio is truly a fantastic city,” Miller said in a press release. “And everyday we are working hard to become a city of excellence.
“With the help of many individuals and organizations from across our community, we have proven that we know how to celebrate Christmas in style! Setting this new world record during the most joyful season of the year will definitely be the peppermint icing on the cake!”
Dick and Ronda Poorbaugh of Grandpa’s Cheesebarn envisioned the Candy Cane Trail in 2023. They teamed up with the city of Ashland and the Ashland County Parks District to bring it to life, along with a six-figure donation.
To make it happen, the parks district, the city and the Poorbaugh’s worked with BCU Electric to electrify the paved path and, this year, McB Paving laid the asphalt for the new paved trail to complete the Candy Cane Trail’s loop.
The trail featured 295 illuminated tree structures and several thematic scenes.
Following last year’s month-long display, organizers got curious about setting a world record, Miller said.
This year, Ashland’s Candy Cane Trail will most likely hold the world record for the largest display of illuminated metal structures/sculptures, along with more than a million lights.
It’s all free, too. Dick Poorbaugh has said his hope is bring joy and happiness.
“We want people to experience the lights through the kids’ joy. And really we’re just looking to bring happiness to the town,” Dick Poorbaugh said.
The Poorbaughs have contributed to Ashland’s holiday aesthetics before.
In 2021, the couple donated $100,000 for the purchase of a 12-foot wreath, a 22-piece Nativity scene and an ornament sculpture.