The Town of Spencer and the LandTrust for Central North Carolina hosted the Arbor Day 2012 celebration April 28 at the Eighth Street Ballpark. The purpose of the event was to promote the preservation and planting of trees, along with a better understanding of environmental issues. Smokey Bear, accompanied by representatives of the NC Forest Service, welcomed visitors at the main gate.
The day began with a flag-raising ceremony by North Rowan ROTC and North Rowan High School student Taylor Love performing the Star Spangled Banner. Entertainment by magician Glen Yost, Steppin’ Out Dance Company and the North Rowan Glee Club was followed by a tree planting to commemorate Arbor Day by the Rowan Master Gardeners Association.
The event featured 35 vendors including educational exhibits related to the environment. Children enjoyed a wildlife exhibit from Dan Nicholas Park shown by naturalist Cindy Bernhardt and a “Musical Petting Zoo” from Linda Jones, executive director of the Salisbury Symphony. Artwork from students at North Rowan Elementary School and North Rowan Middle School was on display.
Mayor Jody Everhart and Mayor Pro-Tem Jim Gobbel spent the day grilling hot dogs and hamburgers with all proceeds going to the LandTrust for the Spencer Woods/Stanback Educational Forest and Park project. Over 272 people attended the celebration during its four hour duration.
Exhibits included vehicles that utilize alternative fuels such as the Chevy Volt, Nissan Leaf, and a propane-powered patrol car, a tractor display featuring old to new technologies, a Salisbury Transit bus and informational booth, a Daimler Trucks semi-truck and more. The event was made possible in part by sponsorships of Duke Energy, SunTrust, Godley’s Garden Center and Nursery, Food Lion, Hendrix BBQ, and Cheerwine.