North Lake Tahoe Bonanza: One thousand people picking up trash for one hour will yield nearly 4 tons of trash. This is the formula for Xstream Clean, Incline Village's annual clean up day, to be held Sunday, June 3.

"What I think is most unique about the Xstream Clean is that it's a cause that crosses all boundaries. Not everyone agrees on dogs, youth, seniors, golf or beach access, but it's hard to argue with people getting out to clean their town," said Chris Laramore, director of Incline After-School Organization (IAO).

This is the third year the nonprofit organization, which provides free sports and activities to Incline's children, will host the Xstream Clean.

"We're the organizers, but many organizations participate," Laramore said.

It first began as a way to teach children the importance of picking up litter along a creek. It ballooned when the Parasol Community Collaboration helped organize it into a community event. Now Xstream Clean continues as a communitywide clean-up through the sponsorship of the Incline Village General Improvement District, Laramore said.

"Without IVGID, this would just be clean the creek," Laramore said.

Laramore expects at least 500 children to come to Incline Middle School, grab a trash bag and scatter through town to pick up trash. With their parents and other community members, the event attracts about 1,000 people.

"We get a huge response from the church congregations in town," he said, adding that the Rotary Clubs clean up Mill Creek every year as well.

Volunteer trash collectors should report to the Incline Middle School between 11 a.m. and noon, gather trash for an hour and drop off the filled bags from 1 to 2 p.m. at a 30-yard Dumpster behind the Parasol building.

IVGID provides the Dumpsters, trash bags and personnel to drive through the community to help pick up filled trash bags and bring them back to the dumpster.

After the work is over, the play begins, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the middle school.

IVGID provides a lunch for participants, which is cooked by firefighters from the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District. A carnival is held, as well as various sports contests.

"Last year, we almost broke even," said Laramore, adding that the event could use some more sponsors.

Xstream Clean is taking a new twist this year because IVGID's WasteNot program is working to make it a zero waste event, according to Madonna Dunbar, of WasteNot.

During the picnic, IVGID will only use items that are recyclable or able to be composted.

Instead of water bottles, there will be water containers and paper cups. The hamburger and hot dog picnic won't have utensils and the garbage will be separated afterward into compost and paper products.

"To be realistic, we're not going to get total zero waster, but we're going to make a big dent," Dunbar said.

She hopes the emphasis on zero waste will make an impact on Incline families.

"Maybe families will think about his for their family barbecue. Instead of Styrofoam, use paper," she said.

To participate in the carnival by sponsoring a carnival game or displaying a table about your nonprofit or business, contact Michael Smith at msmith@washoe.k12.nv.us; chris@world2do.com or call (775) 745-6484.

Tanya Canino
Bonanza Editor