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

Invitation to Neighborhoods

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. 

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."

Coming Soon 2012 Dogwood Trail Map!!     2011 Dogwood Trail Map >>

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 CBB will coordinate a dogwood tree sale at Keiler Park and downtown at the gazebo at 2nd and Broadway on April 14.  Participating nurseries include Eads Garden Center, Edwards Nursery, Montgomery Gardens, James Sanders Nursery, and Wahl's Landscape and Garden Shoppe.  At the tree sale, the Boy Scouts will provide information about the flag fundraiser and the Girl Scouts will be selling spotlights as a fundraiser. 

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.