Dozens of people will spend Saturday out on Lake Mitchell, but they won’t be fishing of skiing. Instead, they’ll be sprucing up the area by removing tons of trash.

The annual Lake Mitchell cleanup will be Saturday, Oct. 24 from 8 a.m. until noon at the Higgins Ferry Park.

A free picnic lunch for volunteers will follow.

The event is sponsored by the Lake Mitchell Homeowners and Boat Owners Association (HOBO) and is part of Alabama Power’s Renew our Rivers campaign.

HOBO Director Steve Miles said the cleanup makes a significant impact on the lake.

“It keeps it nice and clean … that’s our purpose,” said Miles. “You don’t have any trash floating around. It’s something we want to take care of and safeguard for our children’s future.”

Miles said removing garbage from the water will make the fishing better and water sports safer.

Volunteers removed several tons of trash from last year’s event and hope to match or exceed that number this year.

Organizers need all the help they can get. Anyone is welcome to volunteer — just show up Saturday morning.

For more information, contact HOBO president Anita Lawson at 960-5083 or Miles at 755-6432.