The Newport Area Chamber of Commerce is currently recruiting teams to participate in the “Trashiest Team” contest during the Great Arkansas Clean-Up, the annual fall statewide litter pickup campaign promoted by Keep Arkansas Beautiful (KAB), a state affiliate of Keep America Beautiful Inc. and a division of the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. Businesses, organizations and individuals are asked to form a four to six person team that will pick up trash on a one-mile stretch of road (approximately) either Friday, Sept. 8 or Saturday, Sept. 9. Teams will be competing for the “Trashiest Team” title and plaque, determined by the team that collects the most trash.

Everyone in Newport and Jackson County is encouraged to participate in this year’s litter-pickup effort. Civic and service organizations, church and youth groups, school groups and clubs, scouts, individuals, families, neighborhoods, and businesses can put together cleanup teams and pitch in. Don’t forget that this contest is not limited to roads only – your team could also consider cleaning up a ditch or lake bank too. Last year’s contest had more than 80 participants who collected 100 bags of trash on 10 miles of roadways, parks and lake banks throughout the Newport area.

Trash pick-up will last approximately one to three hours. Teams are asked to meet at Lockwood Park at 9 a.m. on their chosen day for assignments and contest information. Arrangements can also be made to pick up items in advance. Teams are asked to bring their own supplies such as gardening gloves and sticks. Trash bags and plastic gloves will be provided for the event. Participants will receive a free t-shirt while supplies last, so register early!

Entry forms are available at the Chamber office by calling 523-3618 or email director@newportarchamber.org.  Deadline to enter a team is Wednesday, Sept. 6.