This year, two new full sets of flags have graced the flag poles – 140 of them – throughout historic downtown Marietta. As part of beautification efforts, downtown flags have a tremendous visual impact and make a positive statement about a community’s willingness to invest in taking care of their place.
In an effort to more strongly solidify the commitment to being an active member of the community, Marietta College funded a full set of flags to line downtown’s cobblestone streets during the start of their academic year, homecoming, and commencement.
“Having previously been employed by the College, I can say without a doubt that their commitment to this community has been unwavering,” says Cristie Thomas, Executive Director of Marietta Main Street, “The flags are a symbol of the collaborative relationship between the College and Main Street, and highlight to friends, family, and students that this community is their home, ready to welcome them with open arms.”
“Marietta College is a proud member of downtown, and we hope the business owners, customers and residents of Marietta were excited like we were to see those beautiful Navy Blue & White flags lining the streets. The first time we put them up was to welcome our students back to campus, and then they returned for two weeks to welcome our alumni for Homecoming — as well as to recognize the inauguration of Dr. William Ruud. Our final scheduled time to put them up is for graduation. We are thankful for all of the support we receive from the community", says Tom Perry, Executive Director of Strategic Communications & Marketing at the College.
In addition to the Marietta College flags, Main Street’s Design Committee authored a grant and was awarded $2,000 by the Walmart Community Foundation to purchase fall-themed flags. This effort was inspired by the evaluation Marietta received last year by America in Bloom, suggesting that our City strengthen year-round beautification efforts.
Sarah Arnold, Chair of Design Committee and Vice President of Main Street’s Board, shares, “The mission of Design’s work is really to inspire our community to be proud to call Marietta their home. By taking care of our downtown – hanging flags, planting flowers, keeping the streets clean, and maintaining our historic buildings – we make a statement that this is a special place that is cared for.”
“By taking care of our downtown – hanging flags, planting flowers, keeping the streets clean, and maintaining our historic buildings – we make a statement that this is a special place that is cared for.”
The annual flag calendar for downtown Marietta is maintained by Marietta Main Street with the incredible support, work, and guidance of Sylvie Caporale, Owner of American Flags & Poles located at 276 Front Street. Other organizations who contribute to the downtown flag program are Washington State Community College, Marietta Rotary Club, the Ohio River Sternwheel Festival, the Rivers, Trails, and Ales Festival, as well as other area civic groups.
To learn more about the downtown flag program or to get involved, email info@mariettamainstreet.org.
