Wednesday, July 26, 2006

Doughnut lovers, take note. The 40th annual Paducah Summer Festival begins today with an activity just for you.

A free doughnut eating contest for all ages will start at 5 p.m. at the floodwall opening on Broadway. The person who can eat the most glazed doughnuts in 60 seconds will be crowned the doughnut king or queen.

Activities throughout town begin at 10 a.m. and continue all day, culminating in the 7 p.m. contemporary Christian concert at the riverfront starring Starfield, Special D and Jordan Lindsey.

The weather is expected to cooperate, with highs reaching 90 today and only a slight chance of evening thunderstorms. "Nothing has changed with the schedule," festival vice chairman John Pace said. "We're still go for take-off."

The festival was shortened from 10 days to four this year, with activities at the riverfront each day through Saturday.

Food vendors will be set up at the downtown parking lot on Broadway. A military corner is new this year, with a U.S. Army basketball shoot and football toss, National Guard Armory obstacle course and U.S. Navy Rap Van simulator set up at 2nd and Jefferson streets.