Green Lighted Dogwoods Unique to This Year's Trail

As blossoming dogwoods in Paducah reach their peak, windy days and rainy nights are nudging the showy petals to let go, making way for lots of fresh green leaves. 

If you drove, rode or walked the 12-mile Dogwood Trail, you had to be inspired. Seeing an occasional green lighted dogwood was unusual, but we all knew what they represented. Even though this spring will be defined by a virus and how it changed lives, next spring our dogwoods will bloom again and hopefully we will have learned something monumental from this year's life-altering experience.  

The one-week trail was unique this year in many ways. Several residents and local city, county and private businesses and churches lighted their entrances and lawns with green to remember those who lost their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic and to express appreciation to those on the front lines providing essential services and care for the sick. City Hall, County Court House and Carson Center are among those glowing green.  

Civic Beautification President Cindy Jones said, "We thank everyone who took the time and effort to light their dogwoods, lawns and doorways. We especially appreciate those who responded to the Governor’s suggestion to use green lights to express their care and compassion for those who have been affected by COVID-19." 
 
Jackie Smith, Dogwood Trail Co-chair, thanked our community, "This year, in lieu of rewarding our best dogwood presentations monetary awards, the Civic Beautification Board decided to use that money to help those most in need. A $500 contribution is being made to Community Kitchen to meet the needs of our most vulnerable citizens in this critical time. The 56th Annual Dogwood Trail will go down in history as one of the most beautiful trails ever. In a time where we longed for a sense of normalcy, our dogwoods produced exquisite beauty to inspire each of us to hold on for the better days to come. Thank you to Paducah Power for their generous contribution and to the citizens of our community who lighted their yards to provide hope."