BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WBKO) -More than 14,000 people from at least 15 states traveled to Warren County for this year’s Duncan Hines Days festival, which ended June 6.
The week-long celebration included 24 events at 40 locations across Warren County, according to Downtown Development Coordinator Telia Butler.
“Year four was the best year of Duncan Hines Days yet,” Butler said. “We ended up with 24 events in seven days, and we estimate about a 2.2 million economic impact on our local businesses. Folks either made day trips to Bowling Green or maybe stayed overnight for the Eats and Beats Music Fest. But ultimately, we showed off and showcased all of our local hospitality businesses.”
The festival partnered with more than 60 sponsors and included over 80 local businesses.
Aviation Heritage Park joins festival for first time
Aviation Heritage Park and museum participated in Duncan Hines Days for the first time this year, hosting a Donut Dollies event that drew nearly 500 visitors.
“We saw how much fun everybody was having last year with Duncan Hines Days,” said Bob Bubnis, executive director of Aviation Heritage Park. “We thought, we have got to get involved in this.”
The event featured small cakes served to community members alongside the history of the Donut Dollies and their role in World War II, Korea and Vietnam.
Bubnis said the event also introduced the museum to residents who were previously unaware of it.
“A lot of people came to the museum and didn’t even know we were here,” Bubnis said. “We’ve only been open since 2023. We’re well known for the aircraft, but not so much for what’s inside. And that’s one of the big things that Duncan Hines Days did for us. It was an opportunity for us to introduce ourselves to a lot of people in the community who just drive by us on Three Springs.”
Bowling Green competing for All-America City Award
The success of Duncan Hines Days is actually part of something even bigger. Bowling Green and Warren County are competing this weekend for a Top 10 All-America City Award— from the national civic league and Duncan Hines Days is one of the key points they are highlighting.
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