PLATTSBURGH -- The City of Plattsburgh's annual Cleanup Day is slated for this Saturday, and officials are hoping for a big effort.

"I hope we get at least as many people as we normally do," said Councilor Amy Valentine (D-Ward 5), organizer of the event.

Valentine started Cleanup Day in 2004, when she encouraged people to pick up the downtown area. The event grew over the years to include the Center City.

This year, Valentine wants to spread the effort out to include the entire city.

"Hopefully, we can get good participation in each ward and it will go well."

Meeting spots have been designated in each ward, and bags, pickers and some rakes will be available.

The event starts at 9 a.m. and should last one or two hours, rain or shine.

"We just want to get out there and do what we can, and hopefully we will have a cleaner city, at least for a little while," Valentine said.

The councilors of each ward will hand out supplies at each meeting place and will provide maps.

Areas will be designated for placing collected garbage and supplies. Public Works crews will haul the garbage to the landfill.

The annual spring cleanup has gone a long way toward relieving the city of the trash that emerges each spring once the snow piles melt.

Since the event began, residents have been joined by students from Plattsburgh State Greek organizations, and local businesses have donated drinking water for cleaners and other materials.

Mayor Donald Kasprzak said the cooperation and efforts of those involved has been impressive.

"I appreciate Councilor Valentine organizing this event, and I hope expanding it into the rest of the city this year brings good results.

"Interested residents cleaning up their neighborhoods is always a good thing, and any time we can promote cooperation and assistance to make our city better, it is worthwhile."