Hands Together for Gonzales: Jim Price Cleanup Day a sweeping success!

This past Saturday, the spirit of Gonzales shined brighter than ever during the Jim Price Cleanup: Hands Together for Gonzales event! From sunrise to lunchtime, the community turned out in full force, proving that when Gonzales rolls up its sleeves, incredible things happen.

The action began even before the sun was up, with a line of cars, trucks, and trailers at the Apache Field bulky waste dropoff before 7 a.m. More than 200 vehicles came through to drop off everything from household waste to furniture and appliances. Thanks to the hard work of Frontier Waste Solutions and city crews, four rear loaders and 10 roll-off loaders were packed and hauled away — resulting in a total of 61.21 tons of waste collected. This is a notable increase from last year’s total of just over 57 tons.

Despite the higher volume, the operation ran so efficiently that many were surprised to learn more waste had actually been collected this year. That smooth flow is a testament to the exceptional coordination and dedication of the Frontier Waste team and City staff.

Meanwhile, volunteers spread across town to tackle some much-needed projects. Teams cleaned more than 150 windows throughout the Main Street district, bringing a fresh sparkle to downtown businesses.

Independence Square saw new life too, with landscaping crews refreshing the area around the historic monument. Volunteers collected more than 40 bags of litter from local neighborhoods, US 183 and Market Square, leaving Gonzales noticeably cleaner and more welcoming. Downtown planters were given a fresh coat of paint, while key public spaces were de-weeded and tidied to ensure the city looks its best.

Of course, hard work deserves a good meal, and GVEC made sure no one left hungry by grilling up a delicious lunch. Thanks to Meatheads' generous donation of all the meat, volunteers were treated to a meal that matched the day’s big-hearted spirit.

The City of Gonzales extends a heartfelt thank you to the more than 70 volunteers who showed up with their energy, enthusiasm, and unstoppable spirit. Every window washed, every flower planted, and every bag of litter picked up was a testament to the pride our community feels. A special thank you also goes out to the 20-plus sponsors and donors whose support made the entire event possible.

The Jim Price Cleanup was never just about tidying up; it was about lifting up — lifting our community, our neighbors, and the places we love most. Thanks to everyone's dedication, Gonzales is shining a little brighter today, and the spirit of teamwork and pride that Jim Price championed lives on.

Stay tuned for more opportunities to get involved as we continue working together to #MakeGonzalesShine!