CHESHIRE, Mass. — Cheshire is holding its third annual town cleanup day this weekend.

 

"People are really into these events and they really go great," Appalachian Trail Community Committee member Eileen Quinn said. "People like to come and clean up the community and hang out with neighbors ... and there is always trash to clean up, unfortunately."

 

The event kicks off Saturday morning at the Highway Garage. Signups will take place between 9 and 9:15 and there will be coffee and doughnuts.

 

At 9:30, cleaning crews will be dispersed throughout town and then return at noon for lunch.

 

Quinn said the event is a great opportunity to get to know the community. 

 

"It is just another feel-good community event and I feel like this community building is happening in Cheshire," she said.  "We actually met some new folks last year who moved into the town ... it is just a good thing happening."

 

On June 8, there will be a second event and the town will hold its second Appalachian Trail Community Celebration.

 

"It will be a little smaller than our official designation ceremony last year but we want to continue to foster and bring awareness and education about the trail to the public," she said.

 

That event starts at 9. People can meet at Diane's Twist to sign up and either hike the Cheshire Cobbles and Reynolds Rock or help with some maintenance projects near Reynolds Rock.

 

Lunch will be served at noon and the celebration will commence.

 

Quinn said it is a great opportunity for those who may not normally hike. 

 

"It's an opportunity for people to come hike with a group," she said. "A lot of people want to hike but don't want to do it on their own...It's a great chance to explore the trail and meet your neighbors and trail folk ... 

 

"It builds the community a little more."