The Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Development Group (CDG), a Main Street Iowa organization, and the City of Mount Vernon, today announced that the Annual Community Cleanup Day will take place rain or shine Saturday, April 26, from 8 a.m. until finished (usually about noon).

More than 80 volunteers are needed to sweep, shovel, pick up, rake or otherwise polish the 12-block area up and down First Street Mount Vernon, as well as parks and other areas. The community has been divided into several “zones,” with each zone assigned a “Zone Leader” to manage volunteer time and duties.

Those interested in participating in the Mount Vernon Cleanup Day are asked to report to Mount Vernon City Hall, 213 First St. NW, Mount Vernon, on Saturday, April 26, beginning at 8 a.m. Zone Leaders have been assigned and cleanup will go until all projects are finished (usually about noon). All are welcome.

CDG is working very closely with the City of Mount Vernon to create simple, clean-up projects throughout the city that can be managed by all ages of volunteers. All volunteers are asked to show up on the day of the event as early as 8 a.m. at City Hall. From there, volunteers will be assigned a “Zone” in the Main Street District – once in the assigned Zone, the Senior volunteer assigned to manage it will be on hand to show what is needed.

CDG and the City will have rakes, shovels, brooms and garbage bags available, but everyone is encouraged to bring yard tools from home marked very clearly with their name or initials. “Children and adults, residents and visitors are asked to join in and help us make our Uptown area presentable to visitors,” said Joe Jennison volunteer chair of the project. “The goal is to make the downtown areas spotless for Chalk the Walk, arguably the biggest and best festival of the summer season.”

Questions, can be directed Joe Jennison at [email protected]