It’s that time again — and Palisade’s ready. This Saturday, the town’s rolling up its sleeves for a community-wide clean-up day, giving residents a chance to spruce up their beautiful corner of Colorado. From broken chairs to old tires, Riverbend Park’s the place to be.

Local leaders hope neighbors will come out in full force to help toss the clutter, clear the junk, and keep Palisade looking as fresh as its famous peaches.

Town Leaders Rally Residents for Spring Clean-Up

The Town of Palisade isn’t just crossing its fingers and hoping people show up — they’re actively rallying the troops. Flyers have been posted at City Hall, emails have gone out, and community boards are buzzing.

Palisade officials have been pretty clear about what’s allowed and what’s not. Residents living in the 81526 zip code can haul over anything from faded couches to piles of crunchy autumn leaves.

But don’t get too ambitious. They’re setting a few ground rules, especially about what not to bring. Gas cans, paint, e-waste, and anything labeled hazardous — that stuff’s a hard no.

Only tires without rims will be accepted, and even then, there’s a catch: each household can only drop off a limited number. No hoarding tires in the garage until next spring!

A town representative said, “We want this to be safe, efficient, and as eco-friendly as possible. We’re relying on residents to work with us and stick to the list.”

What Can You Bring? Here’s the Official List

Planning on loading up your truck Saturday morning? Here’s a quick cheat sheet to save you a headache when you get there:

• Furniture: couches, tables, chairs — you name it.

• Leaves and Branches: time to clear those gutters and garden beds!

• Carpets: stained shag rugs finally meet their end.

• Tires (no rims): limited to a few per resident.

One Palisade local laughed and said, “I’ve had a mattress leaning against my garage since Christmas. This is a blessing!”

A little reminder, though: Riverbend Park’s clean-up will only run from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. So, if you hit snooze too many times, you might just miss your shot.

Not Everything Is Welcome — A Few Important Restrictions

Nobody likes getting turned away at the gate. That’s why town officials are hammering this point home: some items are totally off-limits.

Specifically:

• No appliances (microwaves, fridges, etc.)

• No e-waste (computers, TVs, old cell phones)

• No hazardous materials (paint, gasoline, oil)

Riverbend Park’s volunteer team won’t have the equipment or certification to safely handle dangerous stuff. If you’re unsure whether your item qualifies, town officials urge you to call ahead or shoot an email before Saturday. Seriously, better safe than standing around awkwardly with a rejected load.

In the past, some residents have been caught off guard. At last year’s clean-up, a few folks showed up with stacks of paint cans and got turned away. “It was embarrassing,” one participant recalled. “I ended up driving back home with everything still in the truck!”

Big Community Spirit, Even Bigger Results

If history’s any guide, Saturday’s clean-up is going to be a feel-good spectacle.

Last year, more than 7 tons of junk were cleared out during the spring event, according to town officials. Residents pulled up in pickup trucks, wagons, and even SUVs packed to the brim.

Here’s a quick look at last year’s numbers:

Folks say there’s just something about pitching in that makes them feel more connected. One long-time resident shared, “Palisade’s clean-up days aren’t just about trash. They’re about pride. They’re about neighborliness.”

It’s no surprise then that local businesses sometimes offer little perks. Last year, a nearby coffee shop handed out free coffees to volunteers. Maybe someone will bring donuts this time?

Quick Details for Saturday’s Clean-Up Event

Feeling ready to join in? Great. Here’s the critical info you need so you don’t show up at the wrong place or time:

• Location: Riverbend Park

• Date: Saturday, May 3

• Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

• Who Can Participate: Anyone living in the 81526 zip code

• Questions?: Call 970-464-5602 or email info@townofpalisade.org

Town leaders recommend arriving early — not only because there’s usually a small rush at opening, but because the drop-off points sometimes fill up faster than expected.

One town worker joked, “We’ve had so many trucks lined up in the past, it looked like a mini traffic jam — only everyone’s smiling because they’re getting rid of junk!”

Looks like Palisade’s set for another big clean-up bash. Let’s just hope the weather behaves.