Here is our recap of 2021!

 

Viva Cuba is always busy on a beautification project. Through sheer determination, Cuba’s landscape is growing and thriving. This is made possible by countless volunteers and their gift of time. 

 

As Missouri celebrated its bicentennial, the state was alive with activity! In the spirit of this historic moment, Viva Cuba submitted a letter to future Missourians that was added to a state-sanctioned time capsule. 

 

Viva Cuba has a long history in Cuba. In fact, Cuba became the first Adopt-a-Hwy in the state of Missouri in 1987. Since then the group has removed trash and diseased trees all over town. Viva Cuba added 90 new trees in 2019 and 2020 via TRIM grants. 

 

As part of a three year commitment to the grants, the trees continue to need water and TLC. The Viva Cuba water brigade included private citizens’ pickup trucks to haul water provided by the city.  Others like PJ Myers supplied a pump & hose while the fire department helped with the watering tank.  

 

Despite a drought, the Viva Cuba volunteers faithfully watered and cared for the trees. The hard work is evident in the healthy line of trees bordering Highway 19. Once again, Cuba earned the designation of aTree City USA for the 8th year. 

 

The mural city got a bit of a facelift during the summer! Some murals were touched up and then sealed with “mural shield”. This protective layer keeps the artwork safe from harsh weather conditions. The River Mural is slated to undergo a makeover in 2022. 

 

Cuba held its annual TRASH BASH on the first Saturday of May. This marked the 37th year of this event. With over 90 bags of trash, the event started the summer with a ‘clean’ slate. Also in May, Viva Cuba plants flowers in City Planters. These floral additions add color and life to our streets and sidewalks. 

 

A new art installation at the corner of Route 66 and Highway 19 unfolded before our eyes. The new artwork named “Lights, Chrome, Action” reveals classic cars, fenders, and handlebars. Painted by Missouri native, Ray Harvey, the new attraction is a perfect tribute to the mother road. 

 

This year, Cuba Fest returned with a new twist on mural tours. With local characters in costume, stories and history were shared as the trolley made its way through town. 

 

You may have noticed the painted bikes around town, that’s a Viva Cuba project too! Watch for our next installation of a tandem bike.

 

The holidays really highlight Cuba. This year, the newly planted trees were decorated with lights. As the town lit up, so did the Viva Cuba Garden. Thanks to Nick Sanazaro and his team for the thoughtful light displays around town.

 

A new addition this year, the Window on Buchanan is decked out for the holiday. Two creative Viva Cuba volunteers, Kim Baldwin and Kim Roedemeier added a new exhibit to the window for the holiday. With a simplistic and elegant approach, the window is alive with the spirit of the season. Stay tuned and see what unfolds next in the window.

 

Not only did the new saplings grow, so did our online presence. Viva Cuba’s website https://cubamomurals.com hosts a monthly blog that shares events, attractions, and history about Cuba and Viva Cuba projects.

 

Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/cubamomurals spotlights our murals and beautification projects. With a worldwide fan base, we have followers in 13 countries. 

 

Same with Instagram, https://https://www.instagram.com/cubamomuralcity see Cuba through the lens of a camera. With over 500+ faithful followers, Cuba MO is a place people want to visit!

 

See you next year!