Annual Arbor Day Celebration

Rochester Public Utilities (RPU), ArborWise, Davey Tree, Rochester Parks & Recreation, and Sargent's Gardens proudly host the Annual Arbor Day Celebration each year on the last Friday in April.

This year marks the 24th Annual Arbor Day Celebration, and the community is invited to join for a day of fun, education, and tree appreciation.

The celebration is free and open to the public.

Event Details

Date
Friday, April 24, 2026

Time
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Location
McQuillan Field Park
1655 Marion Rd SE
Rochester, MN 55904

If case of severe weather, the celebration will move indoors to the Rochester Community and Technical College Field House.

Co-Sponsors
Culligan of Greater Rochester, Hy-Vee, Jim Whiting Nursery & Garden Center, Kemps, Link, Minnesota Energy Resources, and Seneca Foods.

Participants
Boys & Girls Club of Rochester, Olmsted County Environmental Resources, Rochester Art Center, Rochester Police Department, Rochester Public Library, Rochester Stormwater, Rochester Sustainability, Spark, Stickman Steve Chainsaw Carving, and Zumbro Valley Audubon.

What to Expect

Attendees can enjoy a variety of activities and attractions throughout the event.

• Free admission
• Complimentary food
  • Hot dogs
  • Chips
  • Corn on the cob
  • Cookies
  • Soda
• Entertainment
  • Live music
  • Meet Smokey Bear
  • Free tree giveaway (Pin Oak saplings)
  • Vendor booths
• Family-friendly activities
  • Apple toss 
  • Bean bag toss
  • Tree cookie stacking
  • Tree medallion necklaces
  • Tree ring toss

During the celebration, RPU will announce the winners of the 2026 Arbor Day Poster Contest.

For more information, view the 2026 Arbor Day Celebration flyer (PDF).

Watch the 2025 Arbor Day Celebration video recap and view view event photos on the RPU Facebook page. 

Arbor Day Poster Contest

Each year, RPU hosts the Arbor Day Poster Contest for local elementary students. The 2025 theme was “Trees Provide Food for Animals and People!”

Winners were honored during the 2025 Arbor Day Celebration, and their artwork is featured in RPU's 2026 Calendar.

2025 Poster Contest Winners

Overall Winner
Lauren Winter, Mr. Lynch – Gibbs Elementary

First Grade
Rina 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
Shaarav Nawale, Mrs. Hill – Washington Elementary

To view artwork from the 2024 Arbor Day Poster Contest winners, see RPU's 2025 Calendar.

Questions

For questions or additional information, please email RPU Programs at rpuprograms@rpu.org or call 507-280-1537.