Armed with rubber gloves and trash bags, volunteers came out last Saturday to rid Lake Cumberland's shoreline of trash at the 21st Annual Lake Cumberland Cleanup.

"We had a good weekend for the cleanup," said Debbie Schumann, lower end cleanup coordinator. "I think everyone had fun."

Sunny, temperate weather welcomed the 656 volunteers, nearly 100 more than last year, who collected 1,777 bags of trash and 1,026 tires discarded in the lake.

"It went over real good," said Russell County Solid Waste Coordinator H.M. Bottom. "Beautiful weather and volunteer help made this event a real big success."

Bottom said Russell County Fiscal Court donated $500, the use of a backhoe and dumpster, and personnel to operate the equipment to assist with the event.

Efforts to educate and promote awareness of environmental stewardship appear to be helping the group's cause to keep Lake Cumberland clean.

Much less trash was amassed at this year's event. Trash collection decreased by 733 bags from last year's total.

Over the years, Lake Cumberland Cleanup has enjoyed the service of 10,629 volunteers who removed 88,788 bags of trash, and 17,175 tires.

Local volunteers were rewarded for their day of hard work with prizes and an appreciation picnic at Lake Cumberland State Park.

Cash prizes, starting at $250 for 1st place to $100 for 4th place, were given to volunteer groups based on the most trash collected. A cash award of $50 was awarded for the most tires collected.

Long time cleanup volunteers, the Brown Family, placed 1st in the Large Group category for the most trash collected.

As every year, the Browns donated their winnings back to the Friends of Lake Cumberland.

Cave Springs Cub Scout Pac 277 received 1st Place in Small Group category and the most tires were collected by Foothills Academy.

The most unusual item award was received by Gatton Academy for bringing in a door from a metal safe.

Friends of Lake Cumberland is made up of local citizens, organizations and agencies, who care about Lake Cumberland and the environment. Each member helps the annual community cleanup to be a success.

Friends' members work with area businesses and organizations to obtain donations, which are used to pay for everything from the picnic to prizes for the numerous volunteers.

"I'd like to thank all of the local businesses who so graciously donate items and cash for this great event," said Schumann.

"We couldn't do it without you."

The Friends of Lake Cumberland would like to thank everyone who donated money, items, or services to this year's Lake Cleanup.

Anyone interested in becoming a member or learning more about the organization, please contact President, Steve Syphax at 606-451-1402.