SoKY’s Choice: Duncan Hines Days opens with downtown celebration

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WNKY) — Vintage cars, live entertainment, and hundreds of community members filled downtown Bowling Green on Sunday as Duncan Hines Days officially kicked off its week-long celebration.

The event’s opening day featured a vintage car show, a Stroll and Roll parade, a live-action Candyland game, and a community block party centered around Fountain Square Park.

Mayor Todd Alcott said this year’s festival continues to grow while remaining rooted in the values that make Bowling Green unique.

“I think it’s without a doubt the biggest and best so far,” Alcott said. “A lot of planning has gone into this. I mean, this is something that is a heritage for us.”

Named after Bowling Green native Duncan Hines, the annual festival celebrates the community’s history, food culture, and local attractions while offering activities for residents and visitors alike.

Cameron Levis, recreation manager for the City of Bowling Green, said organizers combined several popular events into one downtown kickoff this year to create a larger community gathering.

“This kickoff is just a fun, nostalgic summer block party, complete with a vintage car show here in Fountain Square Park, a summer stroll and roll parade, a live action Candyland game encouraging our local community to visit a bunch of different local businesses here,” Levis said.

Alcott said the festival serves as more than just entertainment, acting as a showcase of the community itself.

“This one kind of kicks off a little bit of who we are,” Alcott said. “And it’s just amazing to see our community out today.”

Levis said the success of the event reflects months of collaboration between city departments, county agencies, and community partners working toward a common goal.

“We spend all year planning for smiles, and to see that come to fruition today is just an exciting time for us,” Levis said.

Duncan Hines Days continues throughout the week with events including Restaurant Week specials, Pickleball Palooza, activities at Russell Sims Aquatic Center, and the Eats and Beats Music Festival.

Organizers say the goal remains simple: bring the community together while celebrating the hometown legacy of Duncan Hines and everything Bowling Green has to offer.