With Balloon Fest to lift off soon, the Community Pride Committee has decided to do a little spring cleaning.
The Greenwood-Leflore County Chamber of Commerce committee will host its bi-annual Clean Up, Green Up from 8 a.m. until noon Saturday, June 12.
Carolyn McAdams, chairman of the cleanup, said the committee wanted to hold this year's event the weekend before the city's largest festival of the year.
"There will be a lot of visitors coming in for Balloon Fest, and we want them to leave with a good impression of our city," McAdams said.
The Balloon Fest board has agreed to donate some tickets for the Friday and Saturday night entertainment to the largest youth group that participates in the cleanup.
Since there may not be enough tickets for every member of the group, the winning group will have to decide how they are dispersed, McAdams said.
"I would like to stress that we want youth groups from churches to participate as well," McAdams said.
The committee also would like to see other surrounding towns get into the cleaning spirit.
In the past, there have been efforts in Schlater, Itta Bena, Rising Sun, Sidon and other areas, she said.
Groups that plan to participate should contact the chamber at 453-4152 and let the committee know what areas they plan to concentrate their efforts on.
Bags and gloves will be provided and can be picked up at the chamber the week of the cleanup.
"Businesses can also cleanup anytime during that week," McAdams said. "Some businesses allow employees a little time during the day to clean around their areas.
"With school out, kids are looking for something to do this summer. This project is a great way for them to do something for our city," she said.
Areas the Community Pride Committee would like to see targeted in the clean-up effort include the entrances to the city, Park Avenue and the downtown area.
McAdams said garbage trailers will be placed throughout the city to make it easier for people to dump their trash. Locations for the trailers include the Leflore County Civic Center, the Chamber of Commerce, the old fire station on Claiborne Avenue and the old livestock barn on Carrollton Avenue.
