Rochester's Annual Arbor Day Celebration
Rochester Public Utilities (RPU), ArborWise, Davey Tree, Rochester Parks & Recreation, and Sargent's Gardens proudly partner to host the Annual Arbor Day Celebration each year on the last Friday in April. This year marks the 23rd Annual Arbor Day Celebration, and we invite the community to join us for a day filled with fun, education, and tree appreciation!
NOTE: Due to this week's wet weather, the Arbor Day Celebration has been moved indoors to the Rochester Community and Technical College Field House: 851 College Pkwy SE.
The celebration is open to the public and will take place from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. This family-friendly event includes live music, free food, tree giveaways, vendor booths, and engaging activities for all ages. We will also announce the winners of the Elementary School Arbor Day Poster Contest.
Event Details
- Date: Friday, April 25, 2025
- Time: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Location: Rochester Community and Technical College's Field House - 851 College Pkwy SE
Co-Sponsors: Culligan of Greater Rochester, Hy-Vee, Jim Whiting Nursery & Garden Center, Kemps, Minnesota Energy Resources, Sekapp Orchard, and Seneca Foods.
Participants: Boys & Girls Club of Rochester, Link BRT, Olmsted County Environmental Resources, Olmsted Soil & Water Conservation District, Rochester Art Center, Rochester Fire Department, Rochester Police Department, Rochester Public Library, Rochester Stormwater, Rochester Sustainability, Rochester Water Reclamation Plant, Spark, Stickman Steve Chainsaw Carving, and Zumbro Valley Audubon.
What to Expect
- Free Admission
- Complimentary Food: Enjoy hot dogs, chips, corn on the cob, cookies, and soda
- Live Music by Push & Turn
- Meet Smokey Bear
- Free Trees: White Pine tree saplings
- Giveaways
- Family-Friendly Activities:
- Apple Toss
- Bean Bag Toss
- Bird Wheel of Fortune
- Give Recycling A Shot!
- Go! Play! Explore! Mobile Rec Trailer
- Putt Putt for Clean Water
- Splash Bucket
- Tree Cookie Stacking
- Tree Medallion Necklaces
- Tree Ring Toss
- And much more!
During the celebration, we will also announce the winners of the 2025 Arbor Day Poster Contest.
Download the 2025 Arbor Day Flyer for more information.
Arbor Day Poster Contest
Each year, RPU hosts the Arbor Day Poster Contest for elementary students. The theme for the 2025 was “Trees Provide Food for Animals and People!” The winners will be honored at the 2025 Arbor Day Celebration, and their artwork will be featured in RPU's 2026 Calendar.
2025 Poster Contest Winners:
- Overall: Lauren Winter, Mr. Lynch - Gibbs Elementary
- First Grade: Rinna Tonne, Mrs. Schad - Jefferson Elementary
- Second Grade: Doriah Mohamed, Mrs. Peters - Pinewood Elementary
- Third Grade: Serena Redel, Mrs. Cox - Hoover Elementary
- Fourth Grade: Andie Bryhn, Ms. Chhunn - Elton Hills Elementary
- Fifth Grade: Shaarave Nawale, Mrs. Hill - Washington Elementary
To see the artwork from the winners of the 2024 Arbor Day Poster Contest, check out RPU's 2025 Calendar.
Save the Date!
We hope you can join us for this year's celebration. Don't forget to mark your calendars for next year's Arbor Day Celebration on Friday, April 24, 2026!
For questions or additional information, please contact Stephanie Humphrey at shumphrey@rpu.org or 507-280-1639.