VenuWorks’ Matt Hammond Represents Thomas Jefferson as Grand Marshal of Ashland 250 Parade

ASHLAND, KY — File this one under: things we did not have on our VenuWorks bingo card.

This Fourth of July, Matt Hammond, Executive Director of the Paramount Theatre of Ashland, stepped out of the theatre and into history, portraying Thomas Jefferson while serving as Grand Marshal of the Ashland 250 Parade.

In full Founding Father fashion, Matt helped lead the community celebration as Ashland marked the holiday and commemorated America’s 250th. It was a festive, patriotic, and wonderfully memorable moment that captured exactly what VenuWorks values most: local leadership, community connection, and a willingness to show up in meaningful — and occasionally powdered-wig-worthy — ways.

While managing a historic theatre already requires plenty of range, Matt proved that venue leadership can also include civic pride, parade waves, and a very convincing colonial-era ensemble.

At VenuWorks, we are proud to see our venue leaders play active roles in the communities they serve. The Paramount Theatre of Ashland is more than a performance venue; it is a gathering place, a cultural landmark, and a partner in the life of the community. Matt’s participation in the Ashland 250 Parade is a perfect example of that connection in action.

Congratulations to Matt, the Paramount Theatre of Ashland, and the entire Ashland community on a memorable Independence Day celebration.