The fourth annual Keep Poplarville Beautiful cleanup is scheduled for April 21, and organizers hope for another large turnout of citizens willing to help cleanup the city.

The event is expected to start at 8 a.m. at the gazebo in Poplarville’s City Park, said event organizer Laurie Jaufre.

Participants can receive trash bags and glove there before choosing an area of town to remove trash at the mapping station, she said. Filled trash bags can be later brought to the park where they will be weighed.

Jaufre said some volunteers have indicated they will drive their personal vehicles around town to pick up larger items.

Students, college clubs, athletes and cheerleaders also plan to participate, Jaufre said.

The event is organized as part of the national Keep America Beautiful movement to address litter issues across the nation.

“It’s to bring awareness that we have an issue,” Jaufre said. “A one-day cleanup does not help to solve the issue but definitely helps bring awareness.”

The first year it was held in Poplarville, the event had about 75 participants. Last year that number increased to about 300 individuals. Local organizations and residents have made donations to ensure participants are equipped and hydrated, Jaufre said.

She said although the initiative was her brainchild, she has received a lot of cooperation from members of the Keep Poplarville Beautiful Committee including Poplarville Mayor Rossie Creel, his wife and Alderman Kevin Tillman.

Jaufre said the initiative received positive feedback from the community; especially mothers who feel their children have become more aware of the negative effects of littering.

The event will also feature local live bands, hot dogs, face painting and door prizes. Jaufre said the splash pad will also be available for children to cool off.