By Becky Maxedon

The very first Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970, and it marked the beginning of the modern environmental movement.

And even now, Earth Day has evolved into the largest civic event on Earth, according to earthday.org.

In that spirit, Lake Havasu City will celebrate its third annual Earth Day Community Cleanup Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“It’s an Earth Day event in partnership with Rotary, Marine Association, Protect our Deserts and other organizations,” said Lake Havasu City Mayor Cal Sheehy.

Sheehy said the March date was chosen because temperatures are better than in April and boating events in April take volunteers from the boating community away from being able to participate.

Everyone is available to join in the cleanup. Free trash bags can be picked up at Republic Services office, 2011 College Drive, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., through Friday; or Michael Alan Furniture, 2010 W. Acoma Blvd., from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., through Saturday.

The city asked volunteers to avoid State Routh 95 unless permits are obtained from the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Cleanup efforts are anticipated for neighborhoods, waterways, and throughout the community.

For more information, to register, or to suggest a cleanup site, visit Lake Havasu Earth Day – Rotary Day of Service on Facebook, or email clh@strachota.com.