The City of Brazil is inviting area residents to participate in Brush Up Brazil 2008, which is an effort to clean up downtown along National Avenue.

"We are hoping that if we clean things up better, it may help encourage business growth," Brazil City Planning Administrator Michele Altman said.

The event, scheduled for Saturday, May 17, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., also encourages neighborhood and community development through residents working together for a common goal.

"We would like as many people to come as possible so we can get more done," Altman said. "On the city level, we have approved half a dozen properties around the area for the be cleaned up, which falls on the street department if the resident does not do it themselves."

Brush Up Brazil 2008 will begin at City Hall and Altman said residents are encouraged to bring donations of weed killer, trash bags and paint buckets.

"We have a little bit of weed killer and if we don't get any donations, we will pull weeds," she said.

"It will also be helpful to bring bottles of water, which the city will also provide if there is not enough."

Altman said the city plans to paint curbs and pick up litter, and wants to remind residents who want to participate to bring work gloves to protect their hands.

For more information, contact Altman at 446-0050 or michele@brazil.in.gov.