City of Starkville ready to 'get swept up'
August 28, 2012 10:04:08 AM
The population in Starkville could easily double this weekend with the influx of Mississippi State University and Jackson State University football fans as they converge for Saturday's season-opening football game.
The Greater Starkville Development Partnership wants to make sure the city looks fresh for the occasion.
Wednesday, in conjunction with several sponsors, the GSDP will hold its ninth annual "Get Swept Up," a volunteer cleaning project to get Starkville ready for the thousands of game-day visitors.
Anyone wanting to participate must sign up by 7 a.m. Wednesday, and volunteer forms are available at starkville.org.
Austin Shaffer, vice president of membership for the Chamber of Commerce division of the GSDP, said more than 500 volunteers have signed up so far, breaking last year's total by more than 100.
"We have had a tremendous response from citizens, businesses and Mississippi State," he said. "From small businesses, to large businesses, to individual members of the community, they are all coming out to help with this. It's just awesome."
Volunteers will be separated into teams, and each team will be designated to a route the GSDP has laid out.
Verizon Wireless is again one of several main sponsors and Eli Kennemur, retail sales manager for Starkville, said he thinks it's a great way to kick off football season.
"It gets people really excited and ready to go for the season," Kennemur said. "But it's not just about that. It's about taking care of the city and doing it together. Anything we can do to help the environment and clean up waste and garbage is a good thing."
Thanks to the generosity of Piggly Wiggly, Wal-Mart and Kroger, more than 700 bottles of water will be provided for volunteer workers.
Volunteers will also receive a free T-shirt, along with bags, gloves and cleaning equipment. For more information contact the GSDP at 662-323-3322.
Read more: http://www.cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=18552#ixzz24r06nNay
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