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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LINCOLN, Neb. (April 26, 2016) – It’s blazed across the signs as you enter the state-- Nebraska is the home of Arbor Day. The now international holiday takes place on the last Friday in April, which falls on April 29 this year. To celebrate this weekend, Nebraska City, the home of Arbor Day Founder J. Sterling Morton, is throwing a party for all tree lovers.
“Nebraska’s claim to fame as the home of Arbor Day is one to take great pride in,” said Nebraska Tourism Commission Executive Director Kathy McKillip. “Nebraska City’s significant contributions and advancements in forestry and their tree-oriented attractions truly show how proud the community is of its history. The city’s annual Arbor Day celebration draws quite a crowd and is worth checking out year after year.”
Festivities in Nebraska City kickoff Friday, April 29 at Arbor Lodge State Park with special programs for local school children featuring special guest Miss Nebraska 2015, Alyssa Howell. There will also be a commemorative tree planting and reception at the Old Stone Cabin on Central Avenue for the 2016 Arbor Day Honorees, Bill and Betty Davis, and the 2016 Arbor Day Tree Planter, Erv Friesen. Friday’s signature evening activity is the Apple Blossom Ball at Kimmel Orchard & Vineyard. The fun continues Saturday and Sunday with a craft fair, parade, fun run and much more. Details about these and other city-wide activities can be found on the Nebraska City Tourism & Commerce website at www.GoNebraskaCity.com.
The Arbor Day Foundation describes Arbor Day as an annual observance that celebrates the role of trees in our lives and promotes tree planting and care. J. Sterling Morton once said, “The cultivation of flowers and trees is the cultivation of the good, the beautiful and the ennobling in man, and for one, I wish to see this culture become universal.” Thanks to Morton, the first Arbor Day was held in 1872, when over one-million trees were planted.
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