Cleanest city judges returning to VP for statewide contest

The primary goal of the Louisiana Garden Club Federation Cleanest City Contest is to make Louisiana litter free. It is hoped by the example of this contest, this goal can be accomplished. This contest is over 50 years old and Louisiana is the only state to have such a contest.

As part of this contest, volunteer judges visit participating cities and rate them on cleanliness. Cities are placed in categories based on population. There are eight districts, and 30 cities won their respective categories.

This contest is one of the ways Louisiana is attacking the litter problem. Many cities have begun “Trash Bash” days with great results. The community involvement in these events has been exceptional, but communities cannot do this alone. Louisiana needs stricter enforcement of our litter laws. In the past, this has not been a high priority. Louisiana’s litter problem became glaringly apparent recently when we lost several new businesses due to litter. With national awareness of keeping our environment green, it is hoped our litter problem will no longer be a problem. Education is the key to attaining our goal. School projects, such as litter poster contest and cleanest school contest, are a good start.

Having won the area Cleanest City Contest, the city is now preparing for the state level competition against several other cities of similar size and population. The judges will visit Ville Platte Friday, May 11, from approximately 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Contest organizers are asking the community to rally together and continue the wonderful effort to keep our city as clean as possible for the community and to wow the judges.

For more information on the Cleanest City Contest and how to help, contact chairman Joyce Coreil (363-2323).