For many years, the Duncan Hines Festival was one of the premier events in southcentral Kentucky after its start in 1997.

The event draws its name from one of Bowling Green’s most famous former residents – food and travel writer Duncan Hines, who is now best known for the cake mixes sporting his name.

The Duncan Hines festival, however, dwindled in size over the years.

The final blow came with the COVID-19 pandemic that forced it to be canceled.

But Duncan Hines is back, and like many food items, it’s new and improved.

Duncan Hines Days kicked off this week with events across southcentral Kentucky.

From a fading event in recent years, the new version is now one of the largest community events in the region.

It features a Kentucky Museum presentation about Hines’ life, a parade, ice cream social, special restaurant offerings, a car cruise-in, Duck Paddle and Boatlanding Block Party, special Bowling Green Hot Rods game featuring champion competitive eater Joey Chestnut and much more.

The event culminates Saturday with the free Eats & Beats Music Fest beginning at 4 p.m. at Circus Square Park with Government Cheese, Fat Box, BG Rock Band Academy and headliner The Kentucky Headhunters.

We applaud the many people who have worked tirelessly to bring the festival back to life and better than ever.

Such events are not only economic drivers and a chance to showcase all we have to offer, but also add to the many community events that make our region a great place to live.

We look forward to Duncan Hines Days being a regular community event for many years to come.

– Visit duncanhinesdays.com for a complete list of events.