On Saturday April 28, 2007 the Great American Clean-up was held in Downtown Blairsville with the focus on the Town Square.

Approximately 50 people volunteered their time to do weed, plant, and spread mulch while others picked up trash in parking lots and along roadways.

This year the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) joined forces with the City of Blairsville, Union County Government, and the Union County Chamber of Commerce to make this the most successful beautification effort to date.

The plants were purchased by private businesses and the DDA. Fourteen pots and eight benches were disbursed around the square providing relaxing spots to sit and view the historic courthouse. Music by “Hwy 76” a local bluegrass band played in the background as the planting took place.

Over 650 plants were purchased from Jesse at the Basket Barn. Her knowledge, along with that of the Blairsville Garden Club, helped to create the color scheme. Home Depot donated approximately 70 bags of soil and 50 bags of mulch to the project. Ace Hardware worked with the DDA design committee by offering a gracious discount on the benches. (The Fire Department will be watering the new plantings weekly with one of their newly acquired brush trucks.)

Mayor Jim Conley and County Commissioner Lamar Paris were involved with the planting and spreading of mulch and each personally thanked the volunteers at the end of the day. When it was all over, the four restaurants directly on the square, Hole in the Wall, Papa's Pizza, Comfort Café, and Nancy 's Pizza & Subs, offered discounts to all the volunteers for a job well done.

The Chamber and DDA are always looking for volunteers. If you missed out on this event, there will be more to come. The DDA is actively seeking volunteers for both the Design and Promotion Committees. Future events include SEBA Bluegrass Festival in September, Fall planting and decorating in October, Hometown Halloween in October, and the Christmas Parade in December.

Put your creativity and extra time towards the revitalization of Blairsville - you'll be glad you did!