Prior to the city commission meeting, each winner was presented a certificate created and illustrated by Paducah artist Bill Ford.
Civic Beautification Board president and Dogwood Trail chairman Carol VanderBoegh, who was not able to attend the ceremonies, sent her congratulations, "We appreciate all those who took time and made the effort to light their dogwoods and other blooming flowers and trees in their yards. This is a special way to share spring with all Paducahans. As always, it was a task to determine the most spectacularly lighted dogwoods. We take in consideration those who've won awards in previous years and try to recognize new ones when possible."
These are Paducah's 53rd Annual Dogwood Trail Winners:
Jess Holt - 301 West Jefferson
Dr. Wayne & Nina Hodge - 302 Wallace Lane
David & Jeanne Stroup - 2616 Jefferson
Heather Alexander & Brooks Park - 3522 Buckner Lane
Debra & John Talbert - 3839 Court Avenue
Charles Rawlings - 100 Valley Road
Robin & Melissa Breeden 3239 Monroe Street
Pat & Robert Hololos - 661 Whitney Drive
Debbie Wagner & Gordon Bremenkampf - 325 Minerva Place
Jamie & Leigh Ann Paxton - 4000 Pines Road
Jess Holt - 301 West Jefferson
Dr. Wayne & Nina Hodge - 302 Wallace Lane
David & Jeanne Stroup - 2616 Jefferson
Heather Alexander & Brooks Park - 3522 Buckner Lane
Debra & John Talbert - 3839 Court Avenue
Charles Rawlings - 100 Valley Road
Robin & Melissa Breeden 3239 Monroe Street
Pat & Robert Hololos - 661 Whitney Drive
Debbie Wagner & Gordon Bremenkampf - 325 Minerva Place
Jamie & Leigh Ann Paxton - 4000 Pines Road
This year's Dogwood Art & Photography Contest is sponsored by the CBB and coordinated and judged by the Paducah School of Art and Design.
Mayor Brandi Harless read a proclamation declaring May 7th to be Bill Ford Bow Tie Day in Paducah. This is Ford's birthday and all citizens are encouraged to give to their favorite charity on this day. Ford, a local artist and interior designer, is known for, not only always wearing a bow tie, but for his charitable work throughout the community. He started his Bow Tie for the Arts and Charities a couple of years ago and carries printed paper bow ties in his pocket, giving to all he sees encouraging them to donate and be involved with their favorite charity. Art contest winners:
1st place Paul Grumley (Dogwood)
2nd place Maria Angelique Norte (Dogwoods in Downtown)
3rd place Kelly Scarbrough. (Spring's Beauty)
1st place Paul Grumley (Dogwood)
2nd place Maria Angelique Norte (Dogwoods in Downtown)
3rd place Kelly Scarbrough. (Spring's Beauty)
Photography contest winners:
1st place Phyllis Russel (no title)
2nd place Mike Smitb (Solo Aglow)
3rd place James H. Long, Jr. (Anticipation)
1st place Phyllis Russel (no title)
2nd place Mike Smitb (Solo Aglow)
3rd place James H. Long, Jr. (Anticipation)
Ford was totally surprised by the proclamation saying, "What an unexpected surprise and honor. Thank you very much. Paducah is a generous and compassionate city. Our giving makes a difference in our community. Thank you and be sure to support your favorite charity."
Former Mayor Gayle Kaler contacted Mayor Harless and requested this proclamation be made. All were in agreement this is a most fitting honor to bestow on Ford - especially with his 80th birthday coming up on May 7th. Earlier this year, a gallery in the Paducah School of Art and Design was named in his honor. His latest publication is an illustrated book, "From Paducah with Love" that features local buildings accompanied by memories shared by individuals in Paducah. He also illustrated three coloring books "Color Paducah-Wall to Wall" first, second and third blocks of Dafford floodwall mural images - to raise funding for future mural maintenance. Fords contributions to the betterment of Paducah are present in many homes and businesses throughout the city and county.
Ford also took the opportunity to present a Bow Tie for the Arts award to Hunter Korte for his Dogwood drawing. The purpose of Ford's award is to encourage an individual's creative abilities in the arts and emphasize the importance of kindness and sharing that creation with others.
