OLEAN — The area’s 30th Annual National Children’s Day celebration will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday at Franchot Park.

Children’s Day is a holiday recognized in many countries around the world, traditionally held in the U.S. on the second Sunday in June, organizers said. In America, the celebration of a special Children’s Day predates both Mother’s and Father’s Day, with the first documented observation being held 169 years ago in 1856.

As part of the living memorial to all children, living or deceased, a prominent part of the celebration will be to plant flowers in the Children’s Memorial Flower Garden. Everyone is welcome to bring an annual flower of choice to plant; otherwise, flowers will also be made available. Gardening tools and gloves will be helpful.

At this year’s event, Olean Mayor William Aiello will read a proclamation on behalf of the city and tentatively will be joined by representatives from the Olean Fire and Police departments. Members of Olean Scout Troops 619G, 619B and 621B, under Scoutmasters Amanda Hall and Tim Hall, will be this year’s color guard. Other individuals and organizations in attendance to help with the planting will also be allowed to say a few words, should they care to do so, in honor of our children.

Refreshments will be made available, along with basket raffles to raise funding to benefit the Children’s Memorial Events.

For further information, contact Kathy Boser by phone at (716) 904-1838,  email kboser@sbu.edu or visit the “Children’s Memorial Garden” Facebook page.