Michelle Cannon, leasee of the Wildwood Stables, is hosting a birthday party for the 160-year-old sycamore tree. As one of the largest trees in Fairfield Glade and Tennessee, the Wildwood Stables tree will celebrate its 160th birthday on Oct. 13 from 2-4 p.m.
Attendees will sing “Happy Birthday” to the tree around 3 p.m.
Standing Tall Life Skills Program students, families and the public are invited to attend the event. There will be free cake and ice cream to complete the birthday celebration.
“I’ve invited all of the Standing Tall kids to come back,” said Cannon. “Because it’s just so rewarding when I see them in the community. They’ll come up and give me a big hug. And I just love that because I feel like we really did make a difference in their lives.”
Cannon recently published a book, “Maggie The Magnificent Tree’s 160th Birthday,” inspired by the Wildwood Stables sycamore tree. It is illustrated by Renee Micuda. Cannon will hold a book signing for the children’s novel during the birthday party.
The Tennessee Urban Forestry Council recognizes the Wildwood Stables Sycamore in the Landmark and Historic Tree Regis- ter.
The Council presented a plaque to the Wildwood Stables on Oct. 5, 2012.
The sycamore was planted in 1864.