At Weyburn's first Arbor Day ceremony in the spring of 1986, the fledgling trees that had just been planted in the dirt mounds piled along the Souris River didn't provide much protection from the blasting wind.
"There was dirt everywhere!" recalled Marlene Nedelcov, city councillor and Weyburn Parks Board chair.
But as Tatagwa Parkway developed and flourished, out of those dirt mounds emerged lush green trees.
On Monday, May 3, the Arbor Day ceremony in River Park will recognize the important role trees play in the health of the environment and beauty of the community.
In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held in the Legion auditorium.
The Weyburn Junior High band will lead the celebration with their rendition of O Canada, accompanied by Rotary Club member Gordon Little.
Councillor Marlene Nedelcov will welcome the many students from schools throughout Weyburn, and other members of the public attending the ceremony, and Mayor Don Schlosser will bring greetings from the city.
Mayor Schlosser will also conduct the ceremonial tree planting, with the aid of a student, and dedicate Arbor Day in Weyburn.
Longtime parks board member Bjarne Madsen will be on hand to let residents know about the Plant-A-Tree program, wherein trees can be purchased and donated for planting in the parkway. Shrubs are $25, evergreens $50, deciduous trees $75, and matured trees $200. Tax receipts will be issued for all donations, and a plaque bearing the donor's name will be put up in city hall.
A Grade 6 student from Queen Elizabeth School will recite a poem in celebration of the special event.
Tree seedlings will be distributed to students to help them get going on growing.
"It's important to make kids aware how important trees are to us - not just here in Weyburn, but everywhere," said Nedelcov.
The first Arbor Day was held in the U.S. state of Nebraska and spread in popularity throughout North America.
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