The theme of the 138th annual Arbor Day celebration is “For the Love of Trees.” All of the traditional activities will be returning this year to reflect that theme, along with some events that were introduced last year.
Arbor Day weekend will start off with the annual children’s programs at Arbor Lodge. That afternoon at 4:30, the Community Tree Planting will be held at Wildwood Park. The City of Nebraska City is providing 10 trees this year for local businesses and organizations to plant.
The chili cook-off will start at 5:30 p.m. Friday at the fire station. A $6 “bottomless bowl” all-you-can-eat chili feed will be held in conjunction with the cook-off , with serving until 7:30 p.m. Hot dogs and desserts will also be available. As part of the green initiative, anyone bringing his or her own reusable bowl and spoon will receive discounted admission.
To enter the cook-off, contact NCTC. Prizes will be awarded for hot and spicy, alternative, fire house (open to area fire departments), best in show, people’s choice and best booth.
A community music and arts festival will be held during the Cook-off. Local and area groups will perform, including the Apple Corp, Belles A Peelin’, the Northside Choir, and middle school students performing an Arbor Day skit. The poetry and poster contest winners will also be recognized.
In a change from last year, the Commemorative Tree Planting, Arbor Day Honoree awards program and reception will be held on Saturday morning at 10 a.m. at Arbor Lodge.
James Ballowe, author of “A Man of Salt and Trees,” a biography of Joy Morton, will present at the event. Ballowe will also do a book signing at Morton-James Public Library at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday in the Kimmel Gallery and speak about Joy Morton’s life in Nebraska City and later in Illinois. The Book Clinic will be selling his book.
The annual parade will be held Saturday afternoon at 1 and the Jaycees will hold their annual Fly-In Pancake Breakfast Sunday morning.
Other Events
The Lourdes Central Catholic spring musical “Guys and Dolls” will be presented at the school at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $8 for reserved seating, $7 for general admission and $5 for children/students. Reserved seating tickets are available by calling Heather at 873-6154 or Therese at 873-5557. General admission tickets are available at the door.
