By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
With the coming of the new year, just a month remains in which to file entries in the contest to select a flag design for the City of Decatur.
“We’ve had about a dozen or so thus far, and there are some good ones. But we would like to get more,” Jenny Bowers-Shultz said at the Dec. 17 meeting of Decatur City Council.
Bowers-Shultz, a member of Decatur City Council, proposed the idea of a city flag several weeks ago.
February 5 is the deadline to enter.
The contest involves a $1,000 prize and considerable prestige for the person whose flag design is chosen next year.
The contest is open to everyone, not just city residents, and without charge. Entries are due by 4 p.m. on February 5.
“We are looking for something recognizable,” Bowers-Shultz said in announcing the contest rules. “(Something) 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, which are available at www.cityofdecatur.ingov Hard copies may be obtained at City Hall and the local library.
Contestants may submit up to three entries and the designs must be original. The rules state that 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 JPEG 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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