Duncan Hines Days Brings in Millions for South Central Kentucky

An Overview of the Event’s Financial Boost

Bowling Green in South Central Kentucky recently hosted the renowned Duncan Hines Days, a celebration that reaped an impressive $2.96 million in spending, according to a press release. More than 17,000 people were in attendance, hailing from 18 individual states, as discovered through the tracking of zip codes via admissions and ticketing.

A Festival with Economic Influence

The impact of the Duncan Hines Days does not stop at the festival grounds. As stated by Downtown Development Coordinator Telia Butler, attendees contribute substantially to the local economy. “These people were getting hotel rooms, they were paying for gas, they were paying for ticketed events, or they were going to stores, bars or restaurants—all of these contribute significantly to the local economy,” Butler said.

In support of this flourishing community event, Conagra Foods, owner of the Duncan Hines brand, made a generous donation of 6,000 boxes of baking mixes to distribute to the community throughout the week.

Boost for Local Businesses

Jim Sears, an employee at local establishment Moris Jewelry, stated that celebrations like Duncan Hines Days could foster an increased volume of business for local enterprises. He stated, “…two weeks later they’ll say, ‘Hey, we saw you at the Duncan Hines days, and I’ve got a ring here. Can you fix it?’ So, we kind of get an ancillary benefit from it in a lot of ways and we like being a part of it.”

Apparently, many local bars, restaurants, and stores seize this event as an opportunity to offer Duncan Hines themed meals, drinks, and desserts. According to Butler, more downtown businesses were involved in the festival this year than the previous. “It gave more of the community the chance to embrace it and kind of make it its own,” Butler added.

Looking Towards the Future

In anticipation of next year’s Duncan Hines Days, the festival’s organizers request suggestions and ideas for future events. Communities and individuals can submit their proposals by filling out a form on their website. As a key economic driver, the event serves as a testament to the importance of community events in bolstering local businesses and the economy of the areas they serve.

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