Communities across the country are showing their patriotism through a unique flag program. As a result, flags are lining the streets of towns like Harmony, Chatfield and Preston on special holidays throughout the year. The flag “rental” program began a few years ago with nonprofit groups using it as a fundraiser. The idea took off. Here’s how it works.
First, an organization decides it would be a good project for their town. For Preston, it was their Chamber of Commerce. In Chatfield, it was the Lions Club and in Harmony, the Legion took the lead. It can be any type of group that coordinates the project and starts the flags waving!
Next, the group usually solicits partners to help share the workload and/or revenue generated from flag rentals. It can be a fundraising project for the town, Boy or Girl Scouts, nonprofit or civic organizations.
Then, businesses and residents are given the opportunity to rent flags for an annual fee ($25-40 a year). This fee covers a 3’x5’ flag, 10’ metal holder and manpower to put the flags up and take them down on designated holidays. Typically, flags are put up on 3-5 of these holidays: Memorial Day, Flag Day, July 4th, Labor Day, September 11th, Veterans Day.
The flags are set up on “subscribers” properties 1-2 days prior to the flag holidays and taken down 1-2 days after. Volunteers from the partnering organizations are used for the manpower. The flags are held in the ground with metal stakes that are hidden underground. The ideal location for the flag placement is on the boulevard centered with the front door of the home or business.
Harmony has been doing the flag program since 2011 and raises about $3,000 each year for Legion Post #81. The Legion donates the money to help fund worthwhile causes, including a $500 annual college scholarship for Fillmore Central students. Legionnaire Jim Bakken said, “I learned about it when we lived in Cresco and when we moved back to Harmony, we got it started here. It’s been a good thing! We charge $25 a year and have about 180 subscribers, including many businesses.”
The Legion puts flags out for Memorial Day, Flag Day, July 4th and Patriot Day (September 11). “We purchased the flags through the Legion and they are used year after year. We bought the poles and stakes locally and all our members pitch in to get the flags up and taken down for the holidays.” Call Jim at (507) 421-3521 to participate in Harmony.
In Chatfield, the Liberty Project is a fundraiser for Boy Scout Troop #43, with the Chatfield Lions Club serving as the charter organization. The scouts sell flag subscriptions for $40 per year. They go door-to-door and also solicit friends, family and businesses. Persons can purchase flag subscriptions as gifts for someone in town.
The money raised through the flag program enables scouts to buy camping equipment, provide scholarships to summer camp and meet other troop expenses. In Chatfield, contact Pete Fryer at (507) 867-9775 and a scout will be assigned to contact you. “The scouts encourage everyone to get involved and fill the streets with American flags for the love of our country and in dedication to the ideals of scouting,” Fryer said.
When Preston Chamber of Commerce Director, Gabby Kinneberg started her job last year, the Chamber wanted to kick off a Veteran Friendly Community Campaign and she thought this would be a great way to get that going. Called the Preston Community Flag Project, it’s a partnership between the Chamber, Preston Lions Club, Preston VFW, Preston American Legion and the Preston American Sons of the Legion groups.
The Preston Area Community Foundation funded the first 100 flags to give this inaugural year a boost so most of the money made will help fund community projects in Preston. All the flags and poles were purchased locally.
“We are in the process of signing up flag customers,” Kinneberg said. “For $30 annually, we’ll put up flags on five flag holidays. Any business or resident within the city limits of Preston can participate. It’s a good way to raise money, but the main purpose is to make our town even more patriotic than it already is!” Contact Gabby at (507) 765-2153 or contact@prestonmnchamber.com.