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.

2012 Dogwood Trail

The Paducah Civic Beautification Board is inviting the entire city to be a part of the 2012 48th Annual Dogwood Trail Celebration. "Let's Light Up Paducah and Salute Our Troops" is the theme of the 48th annual Dogwood Trail Celebration. The Dogwood Trail Celebration will be the last two weeks in March, several weeks earlier than usual due to the warm temperatures. Judging will take place March 24-26. Award winning trees will be showcased with signs placed in the yards on Monday and Tuesday, March 26-27.The Dogwood Trail awards presentation will be at the April 10 City Commission Meeting, 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.

2012 Dogwood Trail Map >>

Invitation to Neighborhoods

Neighborhoods are invited to submit their interest in being included on the Dogwood Trail map by January 25, 2012 by calling 270-519-1321. The trail map will highlight the neighborhoods that plan to spotlight their dogwoods and other landscaping. The Paducah-McCracken County Convention & Visitors Bureau prints the official Dogwood Trail map in its Calendar of Events. Ro Morse, who is co-chairing the Dogwood Trail event with Dabney Haugh, says, "The trail will lead from 'Neighborhood to Neighborhood' spotlighting blooming dogwoods and lighted American flags all along the way. All neighborhoods inside Paducah's city limits are invited to be a part of this year's trail. If your neighborhood (as few as five homes) agrees to light up, give us a call. We'll be sure the trail leads to your neighborhood."

Flag Fundraiser

This year's trail will honor American Troops by partnering with Boy Scouts Troop 1 and their flag fundraiser program. For anyone who participates in the Boy Scout Troop 1 flag program and agrees to spotlight the American flag, Troop 1 will place a flag in their yard on the first day of the official Dogwood Trail Celebration and members of Troop 1 will return to retire the flag later that week. For more information about Troop 1's flag fundraiser (which costs $50 for the Dogwood Trail week and six designated holidays), visit Flag Fundraiser.

Dogwood Tree Sale

The annual dogwood tree sale will be 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on March 31 at five local nurseries: Eads Garden Center, Edwards Nursery, James Sanders Nursery, Montgomery Gardens and Wahl's Landscape and Garden Shoppe. These nurseries will offer their dogwood trees, all sizes, for the best price of the year during these four hours. Civic Beautification Board members will be at each location during this time to answer questions and supply information for the proper planting locations, actual planting, and care of the dogwood. A portion ($2) from the sale of each tree will go toward purchasing dogwoods for the Children's Memorial Garden at Noble Park.

Dogwood Trail Bike Ride

BikeWorld is coordinating a leisurely bike ride along sections of the Dogwood Trail. The event will be Sunday, April 1 at 2:30 p.m. Cyclists will leave from BikeWorld located at 809 Joe Clifton Drive.  The ride will weave through neighborhoods, returning to BikeWorld where those participating in the ride will have a cookout.  The community is invited to take part in the spring celebration ride and cookout.  Last year, more than 250 cyclists rode the trail and returned to enjoy an afternoon of grilling and fellowshipping with other cyclists.

Dogwood Festival Ball

The Paducah Jazz Ensemble's 2012 Dogwood Festival Ball is scheduled for Saturday, April 7, 8:00 - 10:30 p.m., at the Robert Cherry Civic Center at 2701 Park Avenue.  This popular annual dance will feature live dance music by the Paducah Jazz Ensemble, a Big Band jazz orchestra led by Doug Van Fleet.  William Carter's Photography Inc. will once again be on site offer professional 5" x 7" photos of dance guests for under $10, and will be printed on the spot.  WKMS, media partner for the event, will also be represented.  A concessions stand will offer desserts, coffee, and soft drinks.  Dance teachers in attendance will offer a quick refresher on popular dance steps before the dance starts, between 7:30 pm - 8:00 pm.  Dogwood Festival Ball admission is $10 per person with advance reservations or $15 per person at the door.  All payment is taken at the door - cash or check only.  No credit/debit cards.  Space is limited - advance reservations are strongly recommended.  For more information or to make a reservation, please call (270) 898.0180 or email paducahjazz@gmail.com.
 
The Paducah Jazz Ensemble is a traditional “big band," including saxophone, trombone, trumpet and rhythm sections, plus vocalists.  Band members are all volunteers from the region and comprise a diverse group, ranging from band directors and other music professionals to part-time musicians working full-time in other fields. The band performs at concerts, dances, festivals, fundraisers and special events throughout the year.  Band members are:  Saxophone: Eric Allen, Bob Felker, Jim Long, Ron Roberts, Greg Spees, William Ray; Trombone: Paul Adams, Tony Brown, Lindsey Hammack, Bill Lentz, Mike Riley, Mark Wolf; Trumpet: Gaylon James, Robert Kratz, Kelly Leneave, Stu Stephany, John Talbert, Patsy Thweatt; Drums: Doug Joslyn; Auxiliary Percussion: Ruy Farrington, Bass: Brad Hammack, Piano: Tracy Leslie, Vocals: Robert Kratz, Rayla Bridges.

Winners

Lighting and Planting

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

1) Use low watt outdoor halogen bulb light sets

2) Use weatherproof outdoor cords and connectors

To grow a dogwood:

1) Select a well-drained site with afternoon shade 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, spread the roots, and pack soil around and over the roots.

6) After planting, water and cover soil with mulch except at tree trunk

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