You don't need to wear a cape to clean up the streets of Fulton.
Fulton's 17th annual Clean Sweep Saturday is coming up April 22, and registration for the event closes Friday.
"We prepare bags for each group so they have supplies like trash bags, gloves, a map of their route and their T-shirts they're in a preregistered group," Fulton Parks and Recreation assistant director Sharlene McArtor said. "We also create extra bags for people who show up at the event. We don't turn anyone away."
For people who want a T-shirt, have a big group or would like to clean a certain area, signing up in advance is wise. People can sign up individually or in groups, with offices and churches often participating together.
"Usually the streets are more popular," McArtor said. "Certain people like to be close to their neighborhood, or they've had that area every year. There's one group that always wants the trail, for example."
Last year, Fulton's newly formed Stream Team tackled Stinson Creek for the first time and, McArtor said, people are welcome to join them this year as well. The creek most often yields large pieces of trash, such as tires.
"We'll continue it probably every year that we offer this program," she added.
About 250 individuals have registered for the event and McArtor expect a total turnout of 400 people.
"Last year we picked up 1,520 pounds of trash," McArtor said. "Over all the years (since the first Clean Sweep in 2001), we've picked up 18.915 tons of trash."
After all the hard work, the Parks and Recreation department rewards participants with hot dogs, chips, ice cream and a cold drink.
According to McArtor, the event has been popular ever since it began.
"It's one of my favorite events because you really get to see the community come together and show excitement and respect for where they live," she said. "A lot of people are just doing it out of the kindness of their heart."