Des Moines Declares “Gum Emergency” After Sidewalk Extravaganza

Des Moines Declares “Gum Emergency” After Sidewalk ExtravaganzaDes Moines Declares “Gum Emergency” After Sidewalk Extravaganza Des Moines, Iowa, has declared a “gum emergency” following a massive sidewalk art extravaganza that left thousands of pieces of chewed gum stuck to the downtown pavements. The event, held last weekend, featured local artists transforming sidewalks into vibrant murals using bubble gum. While the artwork was impressive, it left behind an unsightly and sticky mess. City crews have been working tirelessly to remove the gum, but the sheer volume has overwhelmed them. As a result, the city has declared a gum emergency and is asking residents for assistance. “We have never seen anything like this,” said city spokesman David Sargeant. “The sidewalks are covered in gum. It’s a hazard, and it’s ruining the look of our city.” Residents are being urged to use cleaning solutions, such as vinegar or baking soda, to remove the gum from sidewalks in front of their homes and businesses. The city is also deploying special gum removal machines to help with the cleanup efforts. However, officials acknowledge that the cleanup will take time and resources. In the meantime, they are asking people to avoid chewing gum and, if they do, to dispose of it properly. “We understand that chewing gum is a common habit, but we need people to be responsible and dispose of their gum in trash cans,” said Sargeant. The gum emergency has become a topic of amusement and frustration among residents. Some have taken to social media to share photos of the gum-covered sidewalks, while others have expressed concern about the environmental impact. “I’m all for art, but this is ridiculous,” said downtown resident Erin Smith. “The sidewalks are so sticky, it’s impossible to walk on them.” Despite the challenges, the city is determined to restore its sidewalks to their former glory. Officials are confident that, with the help of residents, they will be able to overcome the gum emergency. “We’re asking people to be patient and to work with us to clean up our city,” said Sargeant. “Together, we can get Des Moines looking its best again.”