Fiesta Confetti Cleanup will Continue for Days or Weeks Depending on Where the Eggs Cracked
The tiny bits of confetti around Santa Barbara by the millions will take weeks to pick up although there is a big effort underway to clean the streets, gutters and local businesses.
The confetti has been coming out of cascarones sold during Old Spanish Days since last Wednesday. The celebration ended over the weekend, but the Fiesta look to the sidewalks, streets and planters continues.
Downtown Organization crews armed with rakes, brooms and blowers have been trying to get the bulk of it up every day during the event, but as the week starts, there’s a lot to do.
Some businesses hired professional cleaners and some workers say it will likely take weeks for a full clean up both outside and inside.
Many of those who have gone through past Fiesta events say they are surpised to still find it around their homes and vehicles. “I think it will be a year. I still find it in my car and my closet a year later, ” said Jennifer Koesling.
There are several methods being used to get the confetti and also screens have been placed in front of the sewer storm drains to keep the confetti from getting into water ways.
“Even when they power wash it clumps up and that dye is running out and it goes into the ocean and the micro biological organisms have a tough time,” said Michael Merenda a downtown resident.
As for options, “Maybe we can come up with something more environmentally friendly for the creeks and oceans next,” saying Ryan Miller who thinks biodegradable confetti might not be a bad idea.
Overall the look of Fiesta still exists for at least a few more days on the streets of Santa Barbara.
