Area residents on Saturday will have the chance to help make Albert Lea’s historic downtown sparkling for the summer season.

During what is the fifth annual downtown cleanup, volunteers are asked to meet at the Freeborn National Bank and Jacobson Apartments buildings on Broadway Avenue at 9 a.m. for assignments and supplies. The cleanup will last until noon.

People will be able to sweep, pick up litter, plant flowers, clean windows and complete other small odd jobs to beautify the downtown.

“The weather is supposed to be great on Saturday, so helping out downtown will be an excellent way to start the day in the spirit of community service and help to make our downtown welcoming and beautiful,” said Destination Albert Lea President Tami Staker, who is organizing the event.

ShineFest participants are teaming up to volunteer this year as well.

Staker said there will be garbage bags and limited supplies for participants to use, but people are encouraged to bring gloves.

Thompson Sanitation has donated a large Dumpster for use. It will be located next to the Freeborn National Bank Building on William Street.

Addie’s Floral & Gifts will have red geraniums available at a reduced price for all of the planters, and the Parks and Recreation Department will plant red geraniums in the North Broadway Avenue parking lot planter again this year.

The Albert Lea Fire Department will hang flags.