The Fourth of July is almost here, and with it the annual Third of July Parade the day before — which means lots of people, lots of candy, fliers and other handouts, and lots of potential for extra trash.

Albert Lea and its surrounding area is a beautiful community, and we encourage everyone to help keep it that way. Don’t litter, and help clean up when the opportunity presents itself. If you see some trash on the ground, do everyone a favor and pick it up. Encourage those with you to do the same. Bring a bag with you to events like the parade that you can throw wrappers and other discarded items into for an easy one-stop trash can run on the way back to your car or your home.

A lot of effort by multiple people goes into putting on the parade and other events, both during the week of Independence Day and the rest of the year. Let’s honor that commitment to community by keeping ours clean and beautiful.