AUBURN, AL (WTVM) -
It's the beginning of the
end for the poisoned oaks at Toomer's Corner in Auburn.
"They are just symbols of
what we think when we attend Auburn, we are a family, we are individuals but we
come together as a whole," said AU student Jack Palmer.
Two years ago this month,
AU learned the trees had been poisoned. Alabama fan Harvey Updyke was arrested,
charged and awaits trial on April 8.
A Tree Task force was
appointed and the university spent thousands of dollars trying to save the
trees, but the damage could not be undone.
With each season, the oaks
slowly deteriorated before our eyes as their leaves died and limbs were
removed.
"I didn't know they were going to cut them
down," said AU student Andrew Christoph. "Just a little bit of hope, guess it's
finally done and say goodbye."
Saying goodbye will be a
community event. The University and the City is hosting a Celebrate the
Tradition block party at Toomer's Corner, Saturday April 20 after the A-Day
football game.
Fans will roll the trees
for one last time and take pictures before the beloved oaks are removed.
"It will be a bittersweet
feeling, one last time, definitely going to miss it."
As Auburn fans say goodbye
to the past, they will have an opportunity to glimpse the future of Toomer's
Corner when landscaping plans are unveiled.
Fans will see the
structures they will roll instead of the beloved oaks after they are cut down.
"Will you be here when
they cut them down?" asked News Leader 9's Elizabeth White.
"I don't think so, I don't
think I can handle it, to tell you the truth."
We do know the trees will
be cut down and removed sometime after the April 20th block party and A-Day game;
however, an exact date has not been set according to Auburn University. We will
of course keep you updated.
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