Lovelock Shines Bright: Community Cleanup Returns After Last Year’s Historic Success

The streets of Lovelock are about to get another glow-up.

Planning is officially underway for Lovelock’s annual Community Cleanup Day, a beloved event where residents roll up their sleeves to give the town a fresh face for spring. The main event is scheduled for Sunday, April 27, with a weather backup date set for Sunday, May 4. The next planning meeting will be held Sunday, April 6 at 1:00 p.m. at the Depot, and organizers are encouraging anyone interested in volunteering or helping coordinate to attend.

This year’s event builds on the momentum of last year’s record-breaking effort, when more than 80 volunteers turned out for what became one of the largest community cleanup days in Lovelock’s history.

“Lovelock Shines Bright!” was the rallying cry, and the town delivered. Volunteers tackled everything from cobwebs and weeds to full curbside junk pickups. The welcome signs at every freeway entrance were cleared of debris. Main Street—from the I-80 on-ramp to the courthouse—was swept and beautified. The triangle-shaped islands by the veterans memorial and courthouse benches were cleaned, storefronts were refreshed, and even the front of McDonald’s got a well-earned facelift. Two large trees were safely taken down by the Depot, and trucks crisscrossed the town, collecting large items placed on curbs.

It was an incredible moment of community pride—and one that wouldn't have happened without the leadership of Lee Ann Gallagher, who was instrumental in organizing last year’s effort.

Her continued involvement in this year’s planning is already making a difference. Lee Ann will once again help coordinate special logistics, including reaching out to local partners about junk car pickups, helping ensure large-item removal goes smoothly for residents in need.

As with last year, City crews will provide dump trailers at key points around town to support general cleanup. Rodney Wilcox will oversee trailer placements and manage early curbside pickup in the days before the main event.

Several other community members have stepped up to lead specific roles. Tina Gallagher, working with the Boys & Girls Club, will head up cleanup efforts at Strip Park. Frankie Graham, with support from Cathy Bryant and Rodney Wilcox, is spearheading plans to plant street trees, including scouting locations, selecting species, and sourcing trees through donation or purchase.

Anna Hill will serve as this year’s central control coordinator, managing volunteer flow and supplies, while Nicole Reitz has graciously volunteered to organize lunch for all volunteers—always a highlight of the day.

Outreach is another key part of this year’s plan. Volunteers Bonnie Skoglie and Wendy Nelsen are drafting letters to local businesses, encouraging them to join in the effort and offering support for beautifying storefronts and surrounding areas. Discussions are also underway to request a waiver of dump fees for the event, which would allow more residents to take part without cost barriers.

One practical next step: getting the word out. Flyers are being designed and will be posted around town in the coming weeks, with an extra push during the week of the cleanup. Organizers are also reviewing last year’s remaining funds to determine if additional donations are needed to support this year's efforts.

In true Lovelock fashion, the first planning meeting wrapped up with snacks, laughter, and door prizes. Ashley Hemp won the grand prize—a large, stuffed Easter rabbit that brought smiles to everyone in the room.

Organizers say cleanup leaders and volunteers are still needed, especially to serve as site captains for targeted cleanup zones like Cornell Avenue, Main Street, and other roadside areas.

“Community Cleanup Day is about more than just picking up trash,” one organizer said. “It’s about showing pride in where we live, connecting with neighbors, and reminding ourselves what we can accomplish when we work together.”

For more information, stop by the planning meeting on April 6 at 1:00 p.m. at the Depot, or contact the City of Lovelock to find out how to get involved.