A literal clean up for Kalona, including washing down of the streets and sidewalks is planned for early Saturday.

Kalona firemen will work with Chamber members, local Rotarians and city workers to do a general “wash down” and “clean up” of the downtown area, between 6th and 4th Streets and A Place and D Avenue, starting at 5:30 a.m., Kalona Chamber of Commerce President Ron Slechta announced today.

The city first will clean the streets, using the street sweeper prior to Saturday. Firemen and business men then will man fire hoses to wash dirt, sand, etc. from gutters and sidewalks. City crews will provide shovels and trucks to help haul away trash, sand and dirt.

Merchants will walk the sidewalks, alleys, etc. to pick up trash.

“We want the town to be looking clean for the tourists and for those coming to see the Quilt Show April 22, 23 and 24.

The downtown cleanup is a project of the Chamber’s Community Appearance Committee and amplifies the Chamber’s Positively Kalona theme.

Following the clean up, The Kalona News, Farmers Savings Bank, Hills Bank Kalona and Kalona Cooperative Telephone Co. will treat volunteers to a breakfast buffet in the Kalonial Townhouse.

Thursday, Dave Clearman will lead a group of Chamber members on a walk-through the downtown area to pick up any new or missed trash.

“We are going to be checking the alleys so they are kept as clean as the main streets,” said Slechta, noting that many tourists and other shoppers often take shortcuts through the alleys.