More than 20 million Americans and hundreds of communities throughout the country participated in the inaugural Earth Day celebration on April 22, 1970.

Since then the annual event – which raises awareness on environmental issues and mobilizes volunteers to help clean up their communities – has grown into a global affair, with more than a billion people in 192 countries participating.

The City of Pacific does its part each spring. Community leaders will join City Park Board and Pacific Partnerships to host the sixth annual Pride in Pacific Earth Day celebration on Saturday.

This year’s event will include more resources, said Cheri Cason, Pacific Parks Board spokesperson.

“Typically it’s been mostly a trash cleanup. Last year we collected about 7,200 pounds,” she said. “This year we’ve expanded it with the information fair. We’ve got agencies and companies coming in to let people know how to get things greener in their offices and homes.”

The event kicks off at 9 a.m. at the Pacific-Algona Senior Center, 100 Third Ave. SE, Pacific. Volunteers will split into park and trash pickup teams and sent on their way to weed, rake and clean up the City’s various parks, trails and other spots. Trash weigh-ins follow at 11 a.m.

An information fair will offer handouts and demonstrations regarding recycling, composting, waste management and backyard habitats.

Lunch is at noon with Pacific Partnerships providing hot dogs, chili and nachos. A $5 donation is suggested.

At 1 p.m. it’s back to work until the final weigh-ins at 3 p.m.

According to Cason, the event represents more than just doing something good for the environment.

“It’s definitely important for the community with everything that has gone on in the past year,” Cason said. “It’s good for them to come together and remember that their government is not failing. We do accomplish things still. Good does happen in Pacific.”

For more information, visit act.earthday.org or www.facebook.com/#!/CityOfPacificParksBoard.