On Saturday, May 7, Viva Cuba held its 38th annual Trash Bash in Cuba, Missouri. This year, volunteers gathered early in the morning at the Viva Cuba Garden at the corner of Highway 19 and Route 66 to clean up the garden and pick up trash around the city.
Trash Bash has been an ongoing project for almost four decades. The annual event attracts volunteers who love the area and want to keep it pristine. The Trash Bash Committee includes Linda Prevost – Chairperson, Phyliss Koelling, Lori Malcolm, Shirley Rutz, Ana Craig, and Andy Harley.
As the project completes its 38th year of service, the goal is to keep it going for years to come. Trash Bash chairperson Linda Prevost reports the event was a huge success. Prevost went on to say, “We are so lucky to live in a place where people love to help. We appreciate our volunteers and the support from the community.” Prevost has been an active member of Viva Cuba for ten years and chairperson of the annual Trash Bash for the last seven years.
Mayor Cody Leathers was on hand to read the annual Arbor Day proclamation to kick off the event. Viva Cuba and local sponsors provided participants with bright yellow trash bags from NoMOTrash along with gloves and other tools for the job. Volunteers were sent to various locations throughout town, including Hood Park.
A special thank you to local Boy Scout Troop 427 for their efforts and dedication to this project every year. Karen Warner, Scout Leader commented, “We develop important skills needed for collaboration and teamwork. In learning to work together and accomplish a common goal, our scouts develop leadership skills and prepare for life.”
Viva Cuba would like to thank local sponsors who provided support with gift cards, prizes, services, and food for Trash Bash participants. This year’s sponsors include:
- Casey’s, Countryside Farm and Market, Cuba Free Press, Cuba Bakery, Frisco’s Grill & Pub, Huddle House, Jack in the Box, Mace Supermarket, Shelly’s Route 66 Cafe, McDonald’s, Mobil OnThe Run, Pizza Hut, Riviera Maya Mexican Restaurant, Sonic, Spirals Art Gallery and Studio, Mission Gate Christian Center, and Swinger Sanitation.
Viva Cuba is a local beautification committee that concentrates on ways to improve the city and its green space. The Trash Bash, also known as Beautification Day, is an annual project to rid the city of trash and to ensure it stays beautiful for residents and visitors.
In 1987, Viva Cuba became the first Adopt-A-Highway site in the state. Over the years, planting continued, cleanup projects went forward, and banners took their places in the community. In the ’90s the Viva Cuba Garden was transformed and became a part of the four-way Highway 19 and Route 66 intersection. These efforts continue with maintenance and further improvements.
In 2001, Viva Cuba implemented a major project of commissioning 12 outdoor murals for Cuba’s 150th anniversary in 2007. Organizations and individuals supported Viva Cuba’s efforts and helped the organization reach its goal. Today Viva Cuba maintains 14 murals and Cuba is known worldwide as “Route 66 Mural City”. Since 2012, Cuba has been a Tree City USA Community.
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