Special to Iredell Free News

The Statesville Recreation & Parks Department will host the annual Arbor Day Celebration on Saturday, April 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will take place at the Statesville Soccer Complex, located at 2012 Simonton Road.

Arbor Day holds a special significance for the City of Statesville, symbolizing not only a commitment to maintaining and enhancing its tree cover but also celebrating the community’s unity and environmental responsibility. This event, established over 30 years ago, was instrumental in achieving recognition through the Tree City USA program by the Arbor Day Foundation.

The festivities will include tree giveaways and various children’s activities focused on sustainability, green initiatives, nature conservation, environmental education, and stewardship. Attendees can look forward to inflatables, laser tag, and hot dogs grilled by the Statesville Fire and Police Departments.

One of the highlights of the day is the Touch-A-Truck event, allowing children to explore various vehicles from the City of Statesville, including fire trucks, police vehicles, recycling trucks, heavy equipment, and more. Participants can climb into cabs, try on equipment, and learn about the important roles these vehicles play in the community.

For those eager to start the day on an active note, a free Fun-K will kick off at 10 a.m. from the Oak Shelter at the Soccer Complex. Runners, walkers, and families with strollers or furry companions are all encouraged to join in on the fun. Pre-registration for the Fun-K is available online at www.statesvillenc.net — under the Arbor Day quick link.

“We invite everyone to join us for this exciting celebration of Arbor Day,” said Richard Griggs, Statesville Recreation & Parks director. “It’s an opportunity for our community to come together, enjoy the outdoors, and learn about the importance of preserving our natural resources.”