For the third consecutive year, Porterdale officials invite everyone to help clean up the Yellow River around the Mill Saturday and then stay for a full day of good food, good fun and good tunes.

The river cleanup begins at 8:30 a.m. Participants will meet at B.C. Crowell Park.

"As a result of the flooding last week we are in dire straights," said Sandy Fowler, Porterdale’s downtown manager. "We really need this cleanup."

Fowler said she is expecting about 100 volunteers for the cleanup, which would be more than last year. Trash bags and rubber gloves will be provided. No one under 12 may participate without the supervision of an adult.

"We just really need strong help," Fowler said, "and I recommend that everybody wear insect repellent and good gloves and boots."

After the cleanup, music begins at noon and continues until 10 p.m. The concerts and parking (designated areas) are free.

The Xalt Experience and the Joe Pitts Band will perform on the depot stage and Mark Cole, Donnie Long and Brother Pudge will perform on the alley stage. Headlining on the alley stage will be Tommy Talton, a seasoned Southern rocker now doing his own thing with Capricorn Records.

"We got some really heavy hitters this year," Fowler said. "Our little Yellow River Jam is listed on the Allman Brothers Web site. I feel like they’re going to have a major crowd with them — a new crowd."

And no fall festival is complete with out face painting, inflatables, a bungee jump, arts and crafts vendors and delicious vittles.

"Of course I’ve got three great restaurants here in town offering a wonderful variety of food," Fowler said.

Jimbo’s Grill at the Mill, Smiley’s Restaurant and Burnie’s Barbecue will all be prepared to serve a crowd Saturday. All the downtown merchants will be open for business as well, including Corkpoppers, which will be offering wine tastings and serving hors d’oeuvres.

"Just bring lawn chairs or a blanket so you can kick back and enjoy yourself," Fowler said.