LOCKHART — Rain, rain go away.

That’s what the Town of Lockhart is hoping.

Mayor Ailene Ashe informed town council members Tuesday during their regular monthly meeting it’s because of the weather a couple of projects have been put on hold.

The town needs to conduct smoke testing of its sewer lines to determine where excess runoff water is getting into the system. The liquid smoke has been purchased and Ashe has spoken with Patrick Jackson from Rural Water who will conduct the tests — so plans have been made.

“The reason we haven’t done it yet is because the weather’s just been so bad,” the mayor told council.

The same holds true with several sidewalk repair projects Lockhart has planned. Repairs have started, but the weather is holding the town back from completing or starting any more.

“You can’t pour cement while it’s raining,” Ashe said.

She and the council are hoping the weather clears up enough soon so those projects can get back under way.

“As soon as we can do it, we’ll get it done,” Ashe said.

Council’s agenda Tuesday was light.

The smoke testing and sidewalk repairs were the only two items under old business and there was no new business to handle. However, Ashe had the opportunity to update council members on several other topics under the information portion of the meeting — one of which was Palmetto Pride’s Great American Clean Up of South Carolina.

The clean up and beautification project sponsored by the state’s antilitter organization is set to begin March 1 and run through the end of May. Lockhart participated in the program last year, with a group of about 10 people being led by council member Tammy Stamey.

Ashe suggested the community again participate for the 2010 installment and thought Stamey would be a good person to head up efforts for a second year.

“I’d like to do it again if we can,” Ashe said.

The program provides supplies and support — including trash bags, gloves, etc. — to communities that participate. Stamey made sure to point out, however, that even with the assistance from Palmetto Pride, it is a community event and people are needed to help.

She said the group of 10 last year had a good time and got the job done, but they could have used more help. Stamey encourages community members to get involved and said now is the right time to do a project like this.

Ashe also updated the council on plans for the community’s first-ever Easter Parade set for Saturday, April 3.

Council members approved having the new parade at their January meeting after parade committee chairman Barry Canupp and Miss Society Hill Teen Destiny Knox asked their permission to host the event.

Knox made the request as part of her platform — focusing on schools and education — for the Miss South Carolina Pageant. If she wins that competition, she will move on to the Miss Teen America Pageant.

Ashe reported Tuesday the town has written letters which will be sent to the South Carolina Department of Transportation and the Union County Sheriff’s Office in regard to closing Lockhart Drive for the parade. The event will follow the same path as the community’s Christmas Parade.

Council members also encouraged anyone who would like to enter the parade to do so and even thought it would be nice if there was anyone with an Easter Bunny suit who would like to volunteer their time that day to walk in the parade. Ashe said the parade committee is working hard on the event and more details will be forthcoming.

Until then, anyone interested in participating in the parade can contact Town Hall to get additional information.

“I think it’s going to be exciting,” Ashe said. “I think it’s going to be good for Lockhart.”