Emmaline Wilcox

CASSADAGA — Emmaline Wilcox will forever be remembered with the planting of a tree in her memory.

Cassadaga’s Arbor Day celebration is scheduled for this Saturday. In conjunction with celebrating the village’s first year in being recognized as a Tree City USA recipient, the village will be celebrating and remembering Emmaline’s life. In February, 7-year-old Emmaline lost her life in a tragic car accident.

There will be several events honoring both Arbor Day and Emmaline, including a 2.5 mile walk and run at 9 a.m. along the shore of the Lower Cassadaga Lake, then entering the Lily Dale Assembly grounds, circling the Leolyn Woods Nature Trail and back on the same route along the lake to finish at the beach with snacks and refreshments provided.

The event is called Emmaline’s Gift charity run/walk and will cost $10 for adults and $1 for any elementary school students or younger. Registration and donations can be made on-line at www.CoachMarkWilson.com/races-and-events/ or at the beach on May 9th beginning at 8 a.m.

“Emmaline loved to help people, so in honor of that loving spirit we are establishing a fund in her name that will do just that when tragedy strikes others in our community,” said Tonia Wilson, co-host of the walk.

At 10 a.m., the ceremony for commemorating Cassadaga’s designation as a Tree City USA will commence. This will include the proclamation made by the mayor followed by a ceremony and a tree planting in memory of Emmaline. Before starting the fund in Emmaline’s name, the proceeds from the run/walk will purchase a commemorative plaque to be placed at the foot of the newly planted tree in memory of Emmaline with remaining funds to be placed in the account that will be held by the Citizens for a Better Cassadaga Board.

This will be followed by a group hike at 11 a.m. at the new Cassadaga Lakes Nature Park. The hike will go through the woods, offering those who join to learn about the many different tree species within the park.

Though Arbor Day started as just a celebration for earning the title “Tree City USA,” it now holds a much deeper and loving memory for Cassadaga.