Dogwood Trail

The lighting of the dogwood trail in Paducah became a tradition in April 1964 when the Civic Beautification Board began the tradition of touring Paducah in bloom at night.  In 1964 when Dolly McNutt, chair of the Civic Beautification Board, visited Knoxville, Tennessee, she was taken by the beauty of Knoxville's lighted dogwoods.  When she returned to Paducah, she persuaded members of the CBB that sponsoring a lighted dogwood trail would benefit Paducah.  The first trail was two blocks long along Sycamore in Paducah's west end.  It is now a 12-mile driving tour traversing downtown, LowerTown, and other residential neighborhoods.  The tour showcases Dogwood, Japanese Maple, Red Bud, and Weeping Cherry trees as well as blooming garden areas and other flowering species. 

 

Dogwood Trail Events

Spring is just around the corner, and Paducah is preparing for the 2010 Dogwood Trail.  Ignoring the damage of last year's ice storm, the dogwoods throughout Paducah are bursting with buds ready for a beautiful show in April.  The Civic Beautification Board and the Woman's Club are coordinating efforts for the 46th Annual Dogwood Trail Celebration that will begin Tuesday, April 13 when we ask Paducah residents to Be Local, Light Up.  Judges will select twelve winners with the most beautiful lighted trees.  Awards will be given at City Hall on Saturday, April 17, 7:00 p.m.  Additionally at the reception, the Woman's Club will display and announce their selections for winners of the 75th Annual Art Contest.  Winners and the public will be invited to open the trail with a public reception honoring the winners followed by a free twelve mile bus tour aboard PATS buses.  The buses will leave City Hall at 7:30 p.m.  This event is sponsored by the Paducah Civic Beautification Board, the Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the Woman's Club.

Are you wondering how you can join our celebration to show off the beauty of your home, business, or church trees, shrubs, and entrances?  Check with your local hardware store for lighting equipment.  Then, spotlight your most beautiful area.  Be Local, Light Up and be part of Paducah's 46th Annual Dogwood Trail, April 13-30, 2010.

-2010 Dogwood Trail Map-
-News Release-
-Winners News Release-

 

On the Trail Winners

2010:  Wanda Mullinax Williams (2800 Broadway); Steve and Julie Leidecker (4046 Magnolia Drive); Paul and Juliette Grumley (4300 Alben Barkley Drive); Gregory and Nancy Waldrop (1924 Jefferson Street); Gary and Patti McDowell (2620 Jefferson Street), and Charles and Sally Proctor (104 Vine Street) 

2009:  The trail event was cancelled due to the amount of tree damage and debris due to the January 2009 ice storm. 

2008 Winners:  Bill and Sara Minihan (1152 Jefferson); Mark and Stephanie Mahan (432 West Jefferson); Phil and Michele Chase (3511 Forest Circle); Jim and Pat Brockenborough (3901 Court Avenue)

Off the Trail Winners

2010:  Buz and Janie Smith (250 Jennifer Lynn Drive); Robin and Melissa Breeden (3239 Monroe Street); Keith and Susan Mason (1269 Hedge Lane); Chris and Ginny Hutson (1104 Olde Friedman Lane); William and Teri Coscarelli (220 Fountain Avenue); and Charles and Nancy Hammonds (1918 Jackson Street) 

2009:  The trail event was cancelled due to the amount of tree damage and debris due to the January 2009 ice storm. 

2008 Winners:  Jim and Linda Gould (145 Red Fox Trail); Kelly and Kenya Estes with Bennett, Layton, and Cade (150 Deer Path Lane); Bob and Cindy Ragland (620 North 36th Street), Chad and Shauna Kerley (217 Wallace Lane) 

Dogwood Photo Exhibit Contest 

2010:  Contest not held. 

2009 Winners:  1st-Michael G. Smith; 2nd Tom Fusco; 3rd-Phyllis Petcaff

2008 Winners:  1st-Tom Fusco; 2nd-Gail Ransler; 3rd-Phyllis Russel

2007 Winners:  1st-Mike Myers; 2nd-Gail Ransler; 3rd-Andy Jetton

Guidelines:  Each photo must contain an image of a dogwood.  All entries should be prepared for exhibit (matted or framed in whatever fashion the artist chooses). 

Dogwood Painting Exhibit Contest

2010:  Contest not held.

2009 Winners:  1st-Harietta Harper; 2nd-Betty Martyn; 3rd-Susan Durrett 

2008 Winners:  1st-Bill Fleming; 2nd-Mel Garbark; 3rd-Betty Martyn

2007 Winners:  1st-Harrietta Harper; 2nd Mel Garbark; 3rd-Sharon Linn

Guidelines:  Each painting must contain an image of a dogwood.  Entry form should be attached to the back of each painting.  Forms are available at the PAPA Gallery (Paducah Area Painters Alliance).  All entries should be prepared for exhibit (matted or framed in whatever fashion the artist chooses).  All sizes of artwork will be accepted. 

  

Lighting and Planting

Tips for lighting dogwoods, azaleas, and other spring flowers include

1)  Use two or more 150 or 200 watt spotlights

2)  Use weatherproof outdoor cords and connectors

3)  Use a reflector.  One can be made by removing the ends of a 46 ounce fruitjuice can.  Split the can from top to bottom.  Paint the outside black.  Spead in half circle around light.

 

To grow a dogwood: 

1)  Select a well-drained site and plant a nursery grown tree.

2)  Plant in late winter or early spring.

3)  Dig planting hole twice the diameter of the rootball and at least 18 inches deep.

4)  Refill hole to depth of rootball with loose soil  Tap soil to provide a firm base for tree.

5)  Place dogwood in hole and pack soil under rootball.  Refill hole with organic matter such as peat moss, manure, or leaf mulch.

6)  After planting, cover soil with mulch and water.  Add mulch as needed.

7)  Water weekly during dry periods.  When watering, soak root area well.  Do not drown trees planted in poorly drained soil.

8)  Use garden fertilizer for acid-loving plants.  Broadcast fertilizer under ends of branches of trees.