Arbor Day celebration takes root in Oakland

OAKLAND — The town of Oakland is holding a celebration among the trees for which it is named from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 16.

The community is invited to participate in the event, which will take place at the Town Center. A ribbon-cutting at noon will mark the dedication of the new water tank in VanderLey Park, and a tree will be planted at 12:45 p.m. to recognize Arbor Day (which was April 24). The Bloom & Grow Garden Society has donated $1,000 worth of red maples for the celebration.

Public Works Director Mike Parker will provide tours of the water plant, and the department will have an information tent on water usage and consumption.

Water Clerk Terri Mastin will show residents how to access their online account to keep track of their water usage, establish spending limits on their water bills and set start and stop times for irrigation.

An “Ask an Arborist” booth will be manned by an expert tree trimmer, who will give demonstrations on proper pruning techniques. The Oakland Nature Preserve and SwimKids USA will have information for guests. Matthew’s Hope will have a tent, and anyone who takes a non-perishable food item will receive a tree seedling.

The Orange County Fire Department will share information on hurricane awareness and give away emergency radios to the first 20 people. Those who are hungry can stop by three food trucks: Burgers Gone Wild, Slidders Pizza and Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream.

Guests looking to have some fun can play in a bounce house and explore fire and rescue trucks; visit Smokey Bear; enjoy music from DJ Mark; test their aim at the dunk tank and try to sink Oakland Avenue Charter School Principal Pam Wolfcale, Town Commissioner Mike Satterfield, Police Lt. John Peek and resident Mike Mullen; and take a ride on a Liberty Express children’s train (adults can ride, too). There is a $1 cost for the train and dunk tank (for three balls).

Painting projects are also available for children. They can paint a pot and learn how to create art with plastic bottles with OACS art teacher Tracey O’Connor.

Contact Amy Quesinberry Rhode at [email protected].