What’s new this year?
5K race route changes, community barbecue expanded
By Grace Johnson
The route for this year’s Arbor Day 5K is one of several changes
that Nebraska City residents and visitors will notice. The route
now travels through Steinhart Park, goes behind the Lied Lodge
and Conference Center, winds through the Morton Orchard and circles
through Arbor Lodge State Historical Park.
“Last year, we had a wonderful 5K at Kimmel Orchard. This year,
it's going to be even better,” said NCTC Arbor Day committee co-chair
Tammy Partsch. “What a beautiful place to run or walk!” The 5K
begins at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday.
Partsch said the Commemorative Tree Planting/Reception is also
new. In past years, the commemorative tree planting has been Friday
morning, followed by a lunch. This year the event has been moved
to Saturday afternoon.
Partsch said the move was made so more people could attend. The
Tree Planting, honoring the 2007 Honorees and Tree Planter, will
be at Arbor Lodge State Historical Park at 3 p.m., followed by
a free reception at the Wildwood Victorian Garden at 4 p.m.
Nebraska City Tourism and Commerce Executive Director Jim Johnston
said the tree planting/reception event is a reminder of Arbor
Day’s significance. “It follows through on what the true meaning
of Arbor Day is, and that’s planting trees,” he said.
Also new is the Community Barbecue at Wildwood Park Saturday night
at 6. “We've had barbecues in past years, but, this time, we're
including local restaurants,” Partsch said. Cargill is donating
the meat and area eateries are donating specialty dishes. “We'll
have live music, too,” Partsch said. Tickets are $6 per person.
Partsch said the Southeast Community Band will also provide musical
entertainment on Saturday from 2-3 p.m. at a new location, Morton
Historic Barns at Arbor Day Farm.
