Jackson Parks Group Cleaning up Cemetery for Special Halloween Event

PPT Volunteers pose during 2023 cemetery cleanup event.  Courtesy photo.

(October 24, 2024 8:33 AM ET) Jackson area residents looking for spooky Halloween fun and community collaboration have a unique upcoming opportunity. Cleaning up Mt. Evergreen Cemetery on Saturday, Oct. 26 at 10 a.m. will be the last cleanup event of the 2024 season for People for the Parks and Trails (PPT).

After a successful Halloween cleanup the past three years, PPT Co-Founder and President Aaron Dimick says the non-profit is looking forward to continuing this new tradition. “Mt. Evergreen Cemetery is a beautiful historic cemetery that’s operated by the City of Jackson. This time of year, it’s in need of some cleaning up so it can look its best for visitors,” Dimick said. “This will be a great volunteer opportunity for residents and families who’d like to visit a macabre-looking cemetery on Halloween weekend and help the community at the same time!”

Volunteers will assist in the removal of fallen branches, leaves, and trash from gravesites. There will also be grim stories shared of famous Jackson residents of yesteryear buried in the cemetery. Volunteers are meeting at the front cemetery entrance off Greenwood Avenue and Morrell Street. The time commitment is expected to be around 90 minutes.

So far this year, the group has brought out dozens of Jackson residents to complete three volunteer projects in parks across the City of Jackson. Dimick says he’s encouraged to see the continued success of People for the Parks. “As we work toward completing our volunteer season, it’s inspiring to see Jackson residents come together to care for their public spaces,” Dimick said. “We thank everyone who has supported our organization through volunteering and donating.”

Volunteer projects are open to all Jackson residents. No prior sign-up is needed, volunteers can just show up and get to work! More information about the volunteer opportunities is posted on PPT’s website, peoplefortheparks.org. Updates about the projects will also be available on the non-profit’s Facebook page. Residents interested in joining future volunteer projects should fill out an Interest Form on PPT’s website.

Though the official volunteer season will end with the cemetery event, volunteers will be busy over the holiday season. PPT will continue its tradition of installing holiday lights in neighborhood parks. More information about that effort will be available later in November.