Montevallo will be filled with thousands of trees, seedlings and planting supplies Feb. 27 as the city holds one of the largest Arbor Day celebrations in the state.

Montevallo’s tree-themed festivities will begin at 9 a.m. at the Park Building in Orr Park, and will run until noon. During the event, the Montevallo Arbor and Beautification Board will give away more than 1,500 bare-root seedlings, 120 trees in buckets and more than 300 bags of pine bark, said Montevallo Arbor Day Chairman Herschel Hale.

“It’s one of the biggest and most diverse Arbor Day events in the state, especially for a town our size,” said Hale, who has organized the city’s Arbor Day events for the past 15 years. “We take great pride in it. Seeing the kind of support we get from people in Montevallo and the surrounding communities is wonderful.”

City officials will give away Black Gum, Sugar Maple, Dogwood, Red Oak, Big Leaf Magnolia, White Cedar, River Birch, Bald Cypress and Fringe Tree seedlings.

Container trees given away will include Tulip Poplar, Chestnut Oak and Bald Cypress. The city will also hold drawings for large potted trees, planting supplies and other items, Hale said.

Vendors from several area nurseries, the University of Montevallo and other local and state agencies will have booths set up throughout Orr Park.

“It’s not just about giving away trees and seedlings,” Hale said. “We also provide knowledge and demonstrations to teach people about proper planting, pruning and caring for their trees.”

Hale said the event usually draws hundreds of people, and has become an annual social gathering.

“Last year, we had over 200 people that we know of. That’s a really successful day,” Hale said. “It’s become a big social event. Everyone who’s anyone in Montevallo usually makes an appearance at Arbor Day.”

For more information about the city’s Arbor Day celebration, visit Cityofmontevallo.com, call Hale at 665-2032 or call Montevallo City Hall at 665-2555.