Pekin will adopt an official flag to celebrate its upcoming bicentennial, and the city is seeking its residents' help.
Pekin launched the contest last week , seeking residents to help design an official flag, with entries accepted until Aug. 15. The city's Beautification Committee will then narrow the entries down to no more than five finalists. The public will then vote on the winning design during the Pekin Marigold Festival in September.
“There is currently a movement within the state and across the country to reimagine civic flags,” said Jacob Brisbin, chair of the Beautification Committee, pointing to Peoria County's recent contest — which ultimately inspired Pekin.
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Pekin does not have an official city flag , according to Brisbin. However, an unofficial flag was designed in the 1970s and is displayed at Pekin City Hall. It features a stylized red dragon in its upper left corner, representing Pekin Community High School, a steamboat in the lower right corner as a tribute to Pekin’s heritage as an Illinois River port, and the marigold that was Pekin native and former U.S. Sen. Everett Dirksen's favorite flower in the center.
“When … Jacob Brisbin first approached (the Pekin City Council) we were all thrilled to have the citizens get involved in designing a new flag for Pekin,” said Pekin Mayor Mary Burress. “Here at City Hall, we are working hard on a new direction the city is going and this idea is a great start to lead the city forward in a very positive way.”
The contest is limited to those who "live, work, or attend school within the geographic boundaries of zip code 61554," according to the city. Participants may submit flag design entries in digital format or hard copy format. Full contest details and the official entry form are accessible at discoverpekin.com . Printed forms are available at Pekin City Hall and the Pekin Public Library.
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This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Live in Pekin and have a designer's eye? The city wants your help to design a new flag
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