Avenue of Flags on target

Avenue of Flags (photo submitted)

Oskaloosa, Iowa – Memorial Day is fast approaching and so is the Avenue of Flags sponsored by the Oskaloosa Optimist Club. The club has worked with Oskaloosa City staff in arranging for flags to be placed in the public right-of-way on five holidays this year.

“We are excited to bring this project to Oskaloosa,” said club president Jeff Keep. “This project has been occurring in communities in Iowa for many years and sponsored by Optimist clubs.

“It is a beautiful sight to see all those flags up and down a street.”

Club members are currently selling subscriptions for $40. The annual subscription will allow the Optimists to place a below ground insert on the property. Each Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Labor Day and Veteran’s Day, flags will be placed between 6-8 a.m., and then removed between 6-7 p.m. The flags are 3 x 5 feet in size of stitched and embroidered 100 percent cotton cloth and will hang from a 10-foot standard.

The flags are made in America and purchased from an Iowa company.

“It was important for us to provide an excellent quality flag that was made in our country rather than imported,” said Keep. “We looked for an Iowa company, who could provide us the flags so that we were able to keep money in Iowa and grow the Iowa economy.”

Keep said the proceeds from this project would support programs such as students of the trimester, junior golf, Friend of Youth, Respect for Law and student scholarships.”

Subscription order forms are available from Optimist members or at Swim Sports. Order forms and checks may be made to: Oskaloosa Optimist Club, 118 1st Ave. East, Box 115, Oskaloosa, IA 52577.

After the first year, each participant will receive an invoice for participation. Participants may drop at anytime by notifying the club. Gift certificates are available for those who wish to present them for the special occasions. For more information on the project contact R.D. or Jeff Keep at 641-673-0123.