South Baldwin residents will have two opportunities to dig into Arbor Day celebrations Saturday, as both Foley and Magnolia Springs will hold festivities.

Foley’s will kick off the 33 the 33rd annual Arbor Day festivities at 10 a.m. in the Foley Senior Center.

The event, which is presented by the Foley City Revitalization and Beautification Advisory Board, will have a plethora of activity.

“The line-up will include the free distribution of seedlings, including Nuttall Oak, Crape Myrtle, Bald Cypress, Live Oak, Red Maple, Tulip Poplar, Swamp Chestnut Oak and American Elm, with the help from Boy Scout Troop 77,” said Suzanne Kellams of the city of Foley. “In addition, members of Riviera Utilities’s Vegetative Management team will be on hand for a brief presentation, and the Baldwin County Master Gardeners will be available to share their expertise.”

But that’s not all.

“The Home Depot will provide a children’s workshop,” Kellams said. “Plus, the day will also include the dedication of a Southern Magnolia in memory of Mary Crawford, who mentored and cared for thousands of individuals in our region.”

All of this will be with a backdrop of artwork provided by Foley area students that displays the theme, “Trees are Terrific...and Energy Wise.”

Since its inception in 1981, Foley’s Arbor Day celebration has grown and now boasts more than 500 attendees.

“Each year it draws a crowd,” Kellams said.

Magnolia Springs’s celebration is somewhat younger.

“Our first Arbor Day was held in 2008,” said Reva Hinson of Magnolia Springs Garden Club. “We hold this celebration in coordination with the town of Magnolia Springs.”

That event is scheduled for 9 a.m.-noon Saturday at Magnolia Springs Fire Department.

Since its inception, the event has grown. However, 2013 festivities were hampered by inclement weather.

“Last year we had only about 200 people or less due to pouring rain,” Hinson recalled. “We did give away about 900 trees and will have 900 this year.”

She cites two factors that have made this a budding yearly celebration.

“With the help of children from Magnolia School, we hold an art contest featuring art work from the children drawing pictures pertaining to Arbor Day,” Hinson said. “Our town has a library now and children of the library put on a skit for our enjoyment. Our local Boy Scout troop is in charge of the flag ceremony.”

Plus, the event will offer the opportunity to shop.

“The Garden Club will have a sales table selling T-shirts, coffee-table books featuring some history and residents of our community, post cards, note cards and tickets to the Historic Magnolia River tour taking place in May of this year,” Hinson said. “In all, it will be a fun-filled morning.”

So it seems both municipalities plan to help area residents cultivate an appreciation for trees during their simultaneous Arbor Day celebrations.