As a holiday where individuals and groups are encouraged to plant and care for trees, Arbor Day is being celebrated in the city of Norcross this Friday, Feb. 17, and Saturday, Feb. 18.

For Friday, come by the city's Welcome Center at 11 a.m. for a short ceremony. A young tree will be planted, and the winners of a student Arbor Day poster contest at Norcross Elementary will be presented with awards.

Saturday's festivities will begin at 11:30 a.m. right outside the Norcross Cooperative Ministry. In conjunction with Victory World Church, the event will not only have the obvious tree planting, but also free health screenings and children's activities from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Also calling it Health Awareness Day, the church is providing vision screenings, information on nutrition, a class on diabetes, fitness instruction, healthy snacks, kids games, arts and crafts, and more.

All is welcome to attend both events.

Arbor Day is celebrated nationally April 27, but the city decided it would be better for the community if it were a few months early.

"This early celebration is scheduled to take advantage of the better planting conditions in February," said Art Geist, a volunteer with the city's Tree Preservation Board.