MILTON-FREEWATER — For several years Milton-Freewater residents have been improving the town with Make A Difference Day projects.

This year, the Spring Make A Difference Day will be Saturday, April 27, and there is a challenge for every individual or family: fill one 33-gallon trash bag with garbage from around your neighborhood.

“Let’s make our town sparkle!” said Maryelizabeth Garcia, Milton-Freewater Chamber Downtown Alliance executive director. “If everyone would pick up one trash bag of garbage, what a difference it would make.”

To be featured on the MFCDA Facebook page, take pictures of what you gathered or the place you cleaned, share photos and tag #mfcda.

Garcia said that Hospice du Rhône will take place from April 24-27 and will feature the Rocks District of Milton-Freewater AVA. Hospice du Rhône’s flagship biennial event gathers an international community to celebrate Rhône variety wines and winemakers.

In preparation for the Hospice du Rhône, many citizens are picking up trash around their neighborhoods before the April 27 date and are encouraging others to do the same.

The Fall Make A Difference Day will be held on Oct 5. Citizens will again be asked to go outside and pick up a single bag of garbage. There will also be some painting and improvement projects at that time.

In mid-October, Oregon Main Street and Washington Main Street are holding a joint annual conference in Walla Walla and Milton-Freewater.

“This is a once-in-30-years opportunity for us,” the director said, “and it is critical that we look our best for this conference.”

Throughout the year, MFCDA and numerous other organizations will host dozens of public and private events throughout town.

“For these reasons, 2024 is Make A Difference year. I invite you to join MFCDA in our efforts to make our town SPARKLE in preparation for this exciting year,” Garcia said.

Events

Milton-Freewater is gearing up for a variety of events. Starting in May, the monthly Friday Nights on Main celebrations will return, various wineries hold wine tastings throughout the year and businesses hold special events.

MFCDA has adopted the motto of “Building A Brighter Future.”

“I am so excited to show off our community to all of these people from all over the world,” Garcia said.

For more information regarding the Milton-Freewater Chamber Downtown Alliance or upcoming events, visit www.mfcda.org. Garcia can be contacted by email at info@mfcda.org or by calling 541-938-5563.