MUSCATINE, Iowa — It happens every time a parade goes through downtown Muscatine — an abundance of trash is left behind.

From candy wrappers to advertisements, some parade-goers drop the giveaways on the ground rather than utilize a trashcan — no matter how nearby it is.

“We are asking that people pick up after themselves,” said Laura Liegois, Muscatine’s solid waste manager. “We shouldn’t have to rely on groups to come and pick up after the parade.”

But, Liegois acknowledges, it doesn’t always work that way and the city is looking for a group to take up the end of the parade, trash bags in hand, and gather what’s left behind. Last year the Muscatine High School marching band did the job and saved cleanup crews hours of work.

“They did a great job. It was a wonderful service,” Liegois said.

Businesses and groups that are interested in collecting litter immediately following the Friday, July 4, parade should contact Liegois at the Muscatine Recycling Center and Transfer Station at 563-263-9689. Arrangements can be made to supply trash bags for the cleanup.