Armed with rakes and brooms, approximately 175 citizens gathered at the riverfront Saturday morning before canvassing Ironton.

They all went home with dirty hands and knees.

Predicted rains did not fall and the city's fifth annual Volunteer Day was rich in community spirit and cooperation.

Every city entrance and the downtown area now boasts a total of 19 newly planted trees and 500 fresh flowers.

"The community has taken this to a new level.

The idea was to get the kids involved and to meet your neighbors," said event organizer Randy Lilly.

"We had six citizens who did not plan on participating that decided to join in. … it shows the town has pride," he said.

About 250 bags of mulch were used.

Once emptied, people used the bags to put trash in.

"We hit the riverfront harder than we have in the past," Lilly said.

Mayor John Elam thanked everyone who helped organize events and those who volunteered. Families, numerous groups, local businesses and individuals worked together in the beautification sweep.

Youth supervisor for the Ohio Association of Colored Women's Youth Club, Carol Seward, brought 14-year-old Edi Taylor and 11-year-old Alex Taylor.

The Taylor sisters were anxious to get to work and both of them agreed they were glad to volunteer.

"Not a lot of people would take their morning hours on a Saturday to do this. Everybody here decided to do that in order to help our community,"

Ironton Junior High School Kids Care Club member Demi Eicher said.

Volunteers were given a white T-shirt featuring the 2004 Volunteer Day logo designed by Kim Johnson.

The flowers planted are perennial and will come back next spring.