(FANWOOD, NJ) —The Fanwood Shade Tree Commission hosted its annual Arbor Day event Friday under bright sunny skies and warm weather at Carriage House Park on Watson Road.

Steve Falco, a member of the Shade Tree Commission, announced that Fanwood has been awarded Tree City USA status for the 33rd consecutive year, a distinction that recognizes the town’s efforts to preserve and care for trees, plant new ones and document those with longevity. The Tree City USA flag was displayed by children from the Nettingham Middle School Environmental Club.

Nettingham Middle School Environmental School Club students display Tree City USA banner that Fanwood has been awarded for the 33rd consecutive year.

Falco demonstrated for the environmental club students on planting seedlings in pots that were given away to attendees at the conclusion of the Arbor Day program.

During the Arbor Day program, Falco gave an opening welcome followed by an Arbor Day proclamation from the mayor and council read by Councilwoman Kathy Mitchell. Students from Nettingham Middle School than presented, “The Fanwood Oak: Witness to the American Revolution.”

Steve Falco gives the Arbor Day welcome.

Councilwoman Kathy Mitchell reads the Arbor Day Proclamation as Councilwoman Patricia Walsh looks on.

Falco was assisted by the students installing a sign below the tree planted in Carriage House Park in 2002 that was the successor to the Fanwood Oak that had stood for more than 300 years.

Steve Falco of the Shade Tree Commission installs the sign for the successor to the Fanwood Oak planted in 2002.

A highlight for the kids was a Department of Public Works bucket truck demonstration by Jimmy Yannazzno as he used the truck to retrieve a piñata from a tree. He then emptied the candy from the piñata to Nettingham students gathered around the truck.

Fanwood DPW’s Jimmy Yannazzno retrieves a pinata from a tree.

The Arbor Day crowd watches DPW bucket truck demonstration.

The new sign placed in front of the tree that is the successor to The Fanwood Oak that stood for over 300 years.

Steve Falco stands in front of the tree that succeeded The Fanwood Oak.

A Nettingham Middle School Environmental School Club student getting potted plant mix for her tree seedlings.

Nettingham Middle School Environmental Club students read the Fanwood Oak story.

A student places a potted tree seedling for giveaway to residents.

A Red Oak seedling.

Joanne Muoio of the Shade Tree Commission helps Environmental Club students label their potted seedlings.