Arbor Day observance on a cold and windy day

A large crowd defied the chilly winds on Friday at the 24th annual Arbor Day observance at Locust Street Park, which included music by Stu Huggins and George Keyser, recognition of coloring contest winners and other award recipients, and an appearance by Smokey the Bear.  Emily Anderson, a Columbia High School senior, read the Joyce Kilmer poem, "Trees," and a tree was planted in memory of Jeff Fortna.

 Members of Scout Troop 35 recite the pledge

 Smokey and friends

 Coloring contest winners Zachary Detz, Bailey Finegan, and Breanna Young

Friends and family of Jeff Fortna planted a tree in his memory . . .

 Scouts braving the cold

Shade Tree Commission Chairman Bill Kloidt, Jr. and a well-known celebrity