INTHEVUE.COM | MARCH 2024 85 Paducah's 60th Annual Dogwood Trail Blooms Radiance B y T a y l o r S h e a W e s t accepted the Lighted Dogwood Trail as a Local Legacy in 2000. The project aimed to document creative arts, crafts, and customs that represent community life across the nation. Paducah’s trail, submitted by Rep. Ed Whitfield (1st District), found a permanent home in the Library’s American Folklife Center collections, preserving the city’s unique contribution to American traditions. To enhance the trail’s allure, the CBB actively encourages community-wide participation. Homes and businesses along the trail are invited to contribute their own touch of radiance by illuminating doors, shrubs, blooming plants, and trees. The more extensive the community involvement, the more magnificent the trail becomes. The CBB expresses gratitude to the citizens of Paducah in advance for their contributions, making the 60th trail a dazzling testament to collective effort and civic pride. Dabney Haugh, Dogwood Co-Chair, anticipates the official commencement of this year’s lighted trail with the blossoming of the dogwoods. “This spring’s lighted trail officially begins when the dogwoods bloom. The exact time for blossoming varies from year to year…usually mid-April but could occur as early as mid- March,” said Haugh. “The week to ‘light up’ will be determined closer to that time and announced via the media. Get your spotlights ready to shine for the 60th!” IN THE HEART OF PADUCAH, SPRING brings the arrival of the well-known, enchanting spectacle - the Dogwood Trail, a cherished tradition that transforms the city into a breathtaking symphony of blossoms and lights. Celebrating its 60th year, this community event, hosted by Paducah’s Civic Beautification Board (CBB), has become a testament to the city’s commitment to natural beauty and community spirit. As daylight lingers longer, Paducah’s Dogwood Trail emerges as an 8-mile masterpiece, captivating residents and visitors alike with its radiant display both day and night. Crafted by CBB Chairman Carol Vanderboegh, reflective signs adorn every twist and turn along the trail, guiding drivers, walkers, and bikers through neighborhoods alive with the vibrant colors of dogwood, Japanese maple, red bud, and weeping cherry trees. The roots of this beloved tradition can be traced back to 1964, when Dolly McNutt, chair of the Civic Beautification Board, was captivated by the luminous dogwoods she encountered in Knoxville, Tennessee. Inspired by their beauty, McNutt returned to Paducah and successfully persuaded fellow CBB members that a lighted dogwood trail would be a valuable addition to the city’s cultural tapestry. The first trail, a modest two blocks along Sycamore in Paducah’s westend, paved the way for the expansive showcase we see today. Recognizing its cultural significance, the Library of Congress
