Western Carolina Students were armed with trash bags, rafts, and life jackets this afternoon as they headed to the 29th annual Tuckasegee River Clean up.
Students lined up well before registration began to get their free Tuck River Cleanup Shirts. Registration for individuals and groups who were willing to clean up the river took place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. After registering for the event volunteers were given life jackets and paddles, and transported to the river.
Shane Williams owner of the Dillsboro River Company, one of many drop off points, for students on the river expects about 700 students to attend the event.
“The Tuckasegee river cleanup is sponsored by Western Carolina University, it covers about 26 miles of river, it will average about 450 to 700 students depending on the weather, and today it looks like we will hit about 700 students, it will go all the way from East Laporte all the way to the Whittier area.”
Participants removed all manner of trash from the river everything from beer cans to soccer balls.
Student’s participating view it as a fun free event, and also a great way to get community service hours.
After rafting, participants were transported back to the UC lawn in Cullowhee to enjoy a cookout and festival. The festival included live music, from the local band Porch 40 great food door prizes given away by local merchants as well plenty of fun for all ages.
Videographer Wes Deyton.
