Arbor Day celebrations are coming soon in Covington and Newborn, offering Newton County citizens a preview of spring despite the current cold temperatures.

Newborn celebrates Arbor Day on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14 form 11:30 a.m.-1:30 a.m., as opposed to April 24 due to its “Love of Trees” according to a recent press release by the city.

The event will feature an appearance by Smokey Bear, tree climbing supervised by Arbor Equity, hot dogs and more.
Newborn will make 250 free dogwood and crabapple seedlings available and visitors will be able to sign a “Wishing Tree,” writing down their heart’s desire on a branch of the town fig tree.

Bluegrass pickers will also be on scene during the day.

Betty Walton, a founding member of the Newborn Tree Board, who passed away in November and Sandra Budd, wife of Tree Board member Beryl Bulld, who passed away in December will be remembered during the celebration.

The Covington Arbor Day celebration will be Feb. 20 at 11 a.m. at the Covington Woman’s Club at 1122 College Street.

The program will feature an introduction by Scott Gaither, remarks and proclamation by Covington Mayor Ronnie Johnston and Newton County Chairman Keith Ellis and a tree dedication in the honor of Sandra Budd by Loy Summers of the Tree Preservation Board.

The City of Covington Tree Steward Award will be presented to Covington Place Subdivision, and Tree City USA Award will be given to the City of Covington.