Local News
Penfield Community Center to host Arbor Day celebration and electric vehicle show on May 2 with free tree giveaway
Penfield, New York – The Town of Penfield is preparing for a full day centered on sustainability, conservation, and community engagement as residents gather for the 2026 Arbor Day Celebration and Electric Vehicle Show on Saturday, May 2.
The event, organized alongside community partner Color Penfield Green, will take place at the Penfield Community Center from 10 a.m. through 2 p.m., bringing together environmental groups, electric vehicle owners, local officials, and families for a day focused on greener living.
One of the biggest attractions of the morning is expected to be the Arbor Day tree seedling giveaway, scheduled from 10 a.m. until noon. Residents attending the celebration will have the opportunity to receive free native tree seedlings while supplies last.
This year’s featured seedlings include Red Oak trees measuring between 12 and 24 inches tall, along with White Flowering Dogwood seedlings ranging from 12 to 18 inches. Organizers say the giveaway will operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and no advance sign-up will be required.
The annual Arbor Day celebration has become an important tradition for the town, not only encouraging residents to plant trees and support local ecosystems, but also highlighting Penfield’s ongoing environmental initiatives.
As part of the event, Town Supervisor Kevin Berry and members of the Penfield Town Board are expected to issue a proclamation recognizing the town’s continued Tree City USA designation and support for the Mayor’s Monarch Pledge, an initiative aimed at protecting pollinators and improving habitats for monarch butterflies.
Alongside the tree giveaway, visitors will also be able to explore the growing world of electric vehicles during the EV Show, which will run throughout the entire event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Unlike a traditional car display, the EV show is designed to give residents a chance to speak directly with electric vehicle owners and industry representatives. Local drivers are expected to showcase their vehicles while sharing firsthand experiences about ownership, charging, maintenance, and everyday use.
Organizers say the event is meant to provide practical information in a relaxed setting, especially for people curious about making the transition from gasoline-powered vehicles to electric transportation.
Several organizations connected to clean energy and environmental advocacy are expected to participate, including Greater Rochester Clean Cities, GreenSpark Solar, and Healthy Yards Monroe County, in addition to EV dealers and other exhibitors from across the regional electric vehicle network.
Read also: Community members to gather for annual Memorial Day parade and remembrance ceremony on May 25, 2026
Community members who already own electric vehicles are also being encouraged to participate in the showcase by registering their vehicles for display.
Officials say the combination of Arbor Day activities and the EV showcase reflects the town’s broader focus on sustainability and environmental awareness. By pairing tree planting efforts with clean transportation education, organizers hope the event will inspire residents to consider small changes that can make a long-term impact.
For attendees, the day promises a mix of education, conversation, and hands-on community involvement — all centered around the idea of building a cleaner and greener future for Penfield.
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