The third weekend in September is just ahead of us and that can mean only one thing: it’s time again for Beautify Bonney Lake.

This year marks the eighth year for the annual city-wide beautifucation project that continues to grow beyond its humble roots from 2004 as a small partnership between the city, the Chamber of Commerce and community members.

“All we did was that little strip by the Dairy Queen,” said BBL’s Executive Director Lillin McGinnis.

That year they expected about 50 volunteers would show up to help pick up litter and spread some bark, but when about 200 showed up, McGinnis knew they might be on to something.

In 2005, the year Bonney Lake High School opened, approximately 450 people turned out to volunteer and the number has grown each year, making BBL the largest volunteer event in the county.

“We thought ‘Jeez, maybe this is a real thing,” McGinnis joked.

Soon after, the organization broke away from the Chamber and received 501(c)3 non-profit status and the organization continued to grow.

“It’s gotten bigger and more projects!” McGinnis said.

Last year, the projects included work at the city’s Dog park and Community Garden, as well as the standard park sites and other clean-up spots, where volunteers will pull weeds and spread new bark, all of which is donated.

This year there are 22 sites and projects on the organization’s list with a concentration this year on the former Washington State University demonstration forest, which is in the process of being renamed Midtown park.

“We’re going to really try to work the forest,” McGinnis said, adding that many residents do not realize the park is open to the public, something she hopes to take care of with signs that will be placed in and around the trails in the park.

Also on BBL’s radar this year is a tree-planting project in the area known as Grainger Springs, according to McGinnis. The land, located in the area across state Route 410 from the intersection with Sumner-Buckley Highway, is set to get 200 new trees as part of a Lions International Project.

Additional work is also planned at the Community Garden, where volunteers will be building herb gardens with donated concrete blocks.

The only site on the list located outside of city limits is at Victor Falls Elementary, where volunteers last year built a small retaining wall and planter, which will get even bigger Saturday.

McGinnis said her goal this year was to get employees at local businesses to provide volunteers and more support for the event and she said so far it seems her efforts have been successful she said, adding that the local chain stores have always been and continue to be supportive.

This year, the Home Depot Foundation and the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe are the event’s premier sponsors.

Mayor Neil Johnson, who was a founding board member of Beautify Bonney Lake said via email the event brings “tremendous value” to the community.

“This event brings so many community groups together to beautify our city for all to enjoy,” Johnson said. “As mayor, I am so proud of the BBL board, sponsors, volunteers that continually show up each year to make this community stronger. I can’t wait to see the turnout this year.”

Volunteers are expected from the city’s many service clubs including Kiwanis and Lions, as well as business groups and high school students.

“The reason I enjoy it so much is because it is a collaboration of all the groups that make up Beautify Bonney Lake,” McGinnis said. “They’re making the community livable.”

Among the locations where volunteers will be working on saturday are: Allan Yorke Park, Mid-town Park, Senior Center/City Hall, Justice Center/Library, Ascent Park, Ken Simmons Park, Lions4Kids House, Fennel Creek, Pierce Transit Center, Moriarty Heritage Garden, Victor Falls Elementary School entrance, the triangle at 198th Avenue East and Sumner-Buckley Highway, Crystal Meadows Wetland, Sky Stone/Historical Markers, Community Garden, Art Park, Viking Dog Park, Public Safety Building/Rain Garden, Post Office/city warehouse, Sky Island Drive right-of-way and Grainger Springs.

And the event, as always, is rain or shine.

“We’re used to working in the rain here,” McGinnis said with a laugh. “It’s Washington!”

Beautify Bonney Lake Volunteers will meet at 8:30 a.m. Saturday at the Park and Ride lot. The event runs through noon.