The United States of America is rapidly approaching its 250th birthday, and Keep Meridian Lauderdale County Beautiful is asking the community to join a nationwide effort to get the country looking clean ahead of the important milestone.

July 4, 2026, will mark 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and just like the founding fathers signed it, community members, business leaders, clubs and organizations are asked to put their pens to paper and sign a pledge to help with the beautification effort.

Residents are invited to come out to Dumont Plaza at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday as local officials and cleanup leaders kick off the initiative by pledging their support for the project. The community will also be able to learn more about the cleanup efforts and register for the Good Citizens Clean-up day on Saturday.Betty Lou Jones, who leads Keep Meridian Lauderdale County Beautiful, said the pledge is a way for people to show their commitment to the beautification project and find more ways to get involved in the effort.

Tuesday’s event and Saturday’s cleanup are two of what is anticipated to be a series of beautification events and projects ahead of the nation’s 250th milestone.

Site locations for the cleanup include:

•Royal Road from 20th Street to State Boulevard

•State Boulevard to 26th Street

•Riverbirch Drive from Highway 19 N. to North Hills Street

•North Hills Street between Bounds and King roads

•Dixie Stop and Go from North Hills Street to Bowling Alley

•B Street in the Tuxedo area from McGinnis Lab to Highway 39 Bypass bridge

•26th Avenue from 14th Street to 20th Street

•40th Avenue from Highland Avenue to 40th Street

•40th Street from 35th Avenue to Poplar Springs Drive.

For more information about the cleanup effort or to register to volunteer, contact Craig Wilkes at 601-485-1998 or Craig Hitt at 601-604-5601 at Meridian Community Development, Betty Lou Jones at 601-917, 4344, or Lauderdale County Solid Waste Enforcement Officer Daniel Mary at 601-816-7923.