Officials from Pembroke, Georgia Forestry, the 4-H extension and residents gathered at the J. Dixie Harn Community Center in Pembroke for the annual Arbor Day celebration Friday. Trees were planted and Georgia Forestry gave nearly 100 trees away in honor of the event.

For six years in a row, Pembroke has been titled a "Tree City USA" city, according to Wynn Carney with the City of Pembroke.

"It's a national honor by the National Arbor Day Foundation for what we do for Arbor Day and planting trees," he said.

Ty Hayman, chief ranger with Georgia Forestry, said Tree City USA is a prestigious honor to receive, and the city has to re-certify each year to earn it. It's not something that can be done once and maintain the title.

"There aren't that many Tree City USA city's in Georgia. For Pembroke to be one, it's quite an honor," Hayman said. "Hagan, Pembroke, Metter, Savannah, and Tybee Island are the Tree USA Cities, and Pembroke is on the map with the honor."

Pembroke Mayor Judy Cook referred to herself as a 'tree hugger' and 'lover of trees.'

"They provide so much for us, and Pembroke is truly blessed to have some of the most beautiful trees anywhere around," she said.

A eucalyptus tree was donated by Council member Angela Reed, and planted near the playground so it would grow big and allow parents to sit near it and enjoy it while children played, said Wynn Carney with the City.

The Pembroke Head Start program sponsored a coloring contest for the event, and the winners, chosen from 74 entries, were announced at the ceremony.

Jareize Bullock, Taylor Glover-Davis and Jadda Pinckney were all winners and received a garden watering can, coupons from McDonalds and seeds to plant as prizes.

Sponsors of the event who donated either time or services were first Bank of Coastal Ga, Heritage Bank, Owen's Supply Co., Pembroke Pharmacy and Floral, Burnsed's Body Shop, State Farm Insurance, McDonald's of Pembroke, Pembroke Garden Club, Angela Reed, Green Country, Bryan County Extension Services and Bryan County 4-H.