By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
Decatur will not only be getting its own, first-ever flag next year, but the public will play a major role in selecting the design.
Councilwoman Jenny Bowers-Shultz, who several weeks ago first brought the idea of a flag to represent Decatur to city council, unveiled a wealth of information about the plan at Tuesday’s council meeting.
People will be able to design their idea of a Decatur flag, submit it, and a group of local residents will select the design to be used.
The winner will receive a $1,000 prize!
Bowers-Shultz emphasized that the contest is open to everyone, not just city residents, and without charge. There will plenty of time to put together an entry, with all entries not due until 4 p.m. on February 5 of next year.
“We are looking for something recognizable,’” she said. “…to foster civic pride, uniting the community around an official symbol representative of the history and promising future of the City of Decatur.”
Participants must submit an entry form, with forms available at www.cityofdecatur.ingov Hard copies are available at City Hall and the local library.
Contestants may submit up to three entries and the designs must be original. Those entering the contest must be able to explain their design and how it symbolizes the City of Decatur.
Each digital entry may be submitted separately to jshultz@cityofdecatur.in.gov. Digital art work may be submitted through PDF, PNG, or JEG format. Hard copy/paper entries may be dropped off at City Hall or mailed there with ATTN: Flag contest.
A list of all contest rules is available at: www.cityofdecatur.in.gov
After the entry deadline in February, a committee will select the top five designs. Those five will then be shared with city residents to determine the most popular design.
City council will determine the winner, which may not be the one chosen in the popular vote, Bowers-Shultz pointed out.
A flag unveiling ceremony will be held after the final selection is announced.
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