Volunteers from Woodford County, Kentucky, celebrate their labor of love at the 11th Annual Riverfest

WOODFORD COUNTY, Ky. (FOX 56) – Parts of the Kentucky River looked clean and clear Saturday as Riverfect returned to Woodford County for its 11th year.

Dozens of volunteers picked up debris at the Clifton boat ramp in Woodford County early Saturday morning.

The Riverfest event focused on protecting nature, and local organizers said people look forward to the event each year to make a difference while improving the quality of the river and other surrounding areas.

“It’s really great to see that not only are people here taking such good care of their yards and the resources here along the Kentucky River, but that people from all over the community are coming out and just wanting to pitch in and make a difference for a day,” said William Downey, Justice of the Peace for Woodford County’s Fifth District.

Rachel Skinner, business outreach coordinator at Bluegrass Green Source, said the impacts of pollution can easily go unnoticed, which is why events like Riverfest are critical to protecting the area.

“I think this is so important because people don’t realize how much trash there really is in their neighborhood, in their hometown, in their communities. And just giving people a place to go and pick up trash is just a way to educate them and teach them to appreciate their environment,” Skinner said.

The organizers of the Riverfest called on the public to explore nature while protecting the environment.