For 22 years, Glenwood Springs’ annual RiverFEST has rallied more than 100 volunteers to clean local waterways and celebrate environmental stewardship.

The three-hour cleanup, organized by the Glenwood Springs River Commission and sponsored by businesses including Alpine Bank, sends volunteers by foot and boat to tackle trash along stretches of the river, sometimes floating as far as South Canyon Creek.

After the cleanup, volunteers are treated to lunch from Jimmy John’s, beer from Quality Brand of the Rockies, event swag and door prizes such as certificates and gift cards. From noon to 3 p.m., the celebration includes live music from Whiskey Stomp, games, a bounce house and kayaking and fly-fishing demonstrations.

“What I enjoy most about RiverFEST is the enthusiasm participants bring, whether they’re kids, longtime residents or newcomers,” said Jim Hardcastle, Glenwood Springs’ long-range principal planner and a RiverFEST organizer. “Everybody gets involved, and they’re excited about doing this for their community.”

Hardcastle said raffle prizes and giveaways add to the fun, but the real reward is helping the river.
“Even if most people never get down to the river to see the difference, they still benefit from the stewardship of those involved,” he said.

RiverFEST also provides the River Commission a chance to engage with the community and promote environmental awareness.

“Their activity, participation and awareness of proper stewardship are shared with others who didn’t attend,” Hardcastle said. “Children see adults lead by example, and then they do the same. They encourage friends and classmates to think twice about leaving trash and to pick up items even if they’re not their own.”

At last year’s RiverFEST, volunteers collected more than 4,000 pounds of trash, using over 30 watercraft including paddleboards, kayaks and rafts. Interesting finds over the years have included an 80-year-old truck hood and a 70-year-old beer can, Hardcastle said.

The event has reached its volunteer capacity, though returned tickets may become available at tinyurl.com/2025-RiverFEST.

Hardcastle, an avid fly fisherman, said the work goes beyond one day of cleanup.

“Throughout the year, I see trash that could have easily been prevented from entering our rivers,” he said. “By raising awareness and increasing stewardship, we’re making our rivers healthier for the wildlife that depends on them — and ultimately for us, too.”