St. Charles Slates Arbor Day Celebration

The city of St. Charles is telling residents to mark their calendars for the annual Arbor Day event beginning at 4 p.m. Friday, April 26, 2013, at Lincoln Park on Main Street, between 4th and 5th streets.

All ages are welcome to this annual celebration of trees, which will include live music, a tree raffle, tree-care demonstrations, cookies and more.

This year, the city says, the celebration includes two contests: an art contest for children up to and including fifth grade; and a writing contest for students from sixth grade through adult.

Writing Contest

The St. Charles Tree Commission’s writing contest is open to sixth-graders through adults. The subject is “Trees in My Life.” Essay submissions could be about a favorite tree, a memorial tree, memories of children playing under an old oak, etc. While we may not think about it every day, trees are an important part of our lives and our community. By taking a moment to share a story about a special tree, you are helping to promote awareness of all the benefits that trees offer.  Essays should be limited to 300 words or less.

Children’s Art Contest

The Tree Commission is hosting a Youth Art Contest for residents in fifth grade and younger. Create a masterpiece all about trees — from collages of leaves to drawing a favorite tree in your environment.

Please include your name, address, and phone number, and current grade level (if applicable) with your entry. Submit your entries no later than April 5 to the St. Charles Public Works Office at pw@stcharlesil.gov, with the subject “Arbor Day Contest.”

You also may mail or drop off your entry to the city of St. Charles, Attn: Public Works — Arbor Day Contest, 2 E. Main St., St. Charles, IL 60174. Photos are welcomed but optional.

Winners will receive a prize and special recognition at the Arbor Day festivities on April 26, 2013. Winning submissions will also be displayed at the City of St. Charles Municipal Building at 2 East Main Street throughout the month of April.

According to the city’s release, St. Charles is celebrating its 14th anniversary as a certified Tree City USA, an Arbor Day Foundation program.

For more information about Arbor Day, Arbor Day contests or the city’s tree program, please contact the St. Charles Public Works at 630-377-4405 or go to the city’s Arbor Day page at www.stcharlesil.gov.

SOURCE: city of St. Charles

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