Summer Motion well under way

ASHLAND Summer Motion is toward the end of its cycle, but the finale is yet to come Thursday night.

Families poured into the area, near Ashland’s Transportation Center, Tuesday seeking carnival rides and sweet-tooth fun.

Among the small crowd, just half an hour after opening, individuals were braving the heat with the motion of the carnival rides.

Samantha Rodriguez, was standing outside the gate of a children’s ride, watching her son, Diego Rodriguez, swing around and around. She moved to Ashland three weeks ago and said she wanted to check out the event for the first time.

“We’re here to ride the rides. They want some sweets so we will do that and then we are going to come back for the concert,” Rodriguez said.

Kathy Walters was present with her grandchildren, who are visiting from out of town. She said it’s been a while since she has made an appearance on the grounds of Summer Motion, but she was excited to return with two special guests.

“They do a great job,” she said about the fireworks put on by Summer Motion. “They are excited. We got the ticket where you can ride any ride you want.”

Remaining schedule

? Wednesday, July 3, bluegrass night: Gates open at 4 p.m., to access carnival, food vendors, children’s inflatables, games and specialty booths. The VIP entrance for the concert opens at 6 p.m., followed by The Price Sisters at 6:30 p.m., Sister Sadie at 7:45 p.m. and Jason Carter Band at 9 p.m.

? Thursday, July 4, country music night: The carnival and vendors open at 4 p.m. VIP entrance opens at 6 p.m., followed by Kyle Fields at 7 p.m., a patriotic program at 8 p.m. and Tracy Byrd at 9 p.m. The fireworks show will commence at 10:15 p.m.