The Columbia Borough Shade Tree Commission and the Columbia Tree Society will celebrate Arbor Day at Locust Street Park, Sixth and Locust streets, on Friday, April 30, beginning at 6 p.m. "Arbor Day is a celebration of springtime and renewal and an appreciation for nature and trees as they provide beauty when they blossom this time of year," said Bill Kloidt, chairman of the Arbor Day celebration. "It is also a time to inform everyone of the importance of trees in our environment."

Mark Zeamer, secretary and treasurer of the Old Columbia Public Grounds Company, which has overseen and maintained the Locust Street Park since 1826, will serve as master of ceremonies. Additional speakers will be featured, including Rick Hartlieb of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry, who will present Columbia with its 29th consecutive Arbor Day Foundation Tree City USA award.

Since last year's Arbor Day celebration was canceled due to the pandemic, those who were to receive awards last year will be recognized with award winners this year. Musical selections will be played throughout the ceremony by the Columbia High School chorus under the direction of Rick Jensen. Cub Scout Pack 35 and Boy Scout Troop 35 will serve as the color guard to open the event, and Frontier Girls Troops 191 and 202 will assist in the distribution of programs.

This year's ceremony will be dedicated to Dean Little and Clarissa Wolcott. Barry Ford will also be recognized for his contributions to the Columbia Boys Athletic Association and the Columbia Borough School District.

Columbia High School senior Emma Grove will recite Joyce Kilmer's poem "Trees." Emma is the daughter of Alegra and Christopher Grove. After graduation, she plans to attend a four-year university on a pre-med track, specializing in pediatric emergency medicine. Columbia High School 2020 honors graduate Morgan Williams, who was scheduled to participate in last year's event, will recite the poem "Arbor Day" by Annette Wynne. Morgan is the daughter of Kyle and Becky Williams. She currently attends Dickinson College.

Kloidt explained that Arbor Day is held annually across the country during the month of April. In Pennsylvania, it is always held on the last Friday in April.

"Arbor Day is held to make people aware of and have a greater appreciation for trees and the many ways in which they are useful - economically, environmentally and psychologically," Kloidt noted.

He said the celebration will be fun and educational, adding, "Come to the event for an enjoyable evening, and get to know more about trees and how the Columbia Borough Shade Tree Commission works hard through the year to maintain street trees in the borough."