by Martin Davis
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
The flags lining Fredericksburg’s downtown corridor are one of the city’s defining charms. But the flags are there for more than simple decoration.
“The City’s flag displays constitute an official communication of the City of Fredericksburg and are intended to be viewed as such,” says Sonja Cantu, the City’s public information officer.
As such, the flags that are hung throughout the year cover quite a range of issues.
According to Cantu, the City selects flags “acknowledging and honoring federal holidays, honoring Sister Cities, National observances and commemorative months, City-hosted events, special events and seasonal décor.”
Orchestrating the range of flags takes thought, and planning.
“There is a lot of demand for flag space on downtown lamp posts,” says council member Will Mackintosh. He sees the breadth of representation the City displays on its 110 downtown light poles as a “testament to the vibrancy of downtown Fredericksburg as the region’s cultural hub.”
The schedule for when flags are hung is managed in the Economic Development and Tourism Department. The public works department is responsible for hanging them.
Typically, flags fly for 10 days, “except for seasonal décor flags (November 13 through December are holiday only),” says Cantu, “and except during busy holiday peaks, when shorter time frames may be in effect.”
Currently, the calendar for flags is full and new applications are not being accepted. The full calendar of flags to be displayed downtown in 2024 is below.
Turning Flags to Fun
Leigh Anne Van Doren, publisher of Fredericksburg Parent & Family magazine and a member of the Advance’s Board, points to the flags as a great opportunity for families to dig deep into the rich history of our region.
“One of the best things about raising your family in Fredericksburg,” Van Doren said, “is that it’s the quintessential small town, rich in historical resources. This is a great time to explore the historical attractions downtown, and talk about the history, and diversity of peoples and cultures, that makes our region so vibrant.”
She also notes that if you need other ideas for what to do this summer, families can tune in to Fred Parent’s and the Advance’s joint project, 90 Days of Summer Fun.
2024 Flag Calendar
January
2-7: First Friday flags
8- 6: Celebrating Diversity flags for Martin Luther King Day
16-22: Restaurant Week flags
February
Jan. 29-Feb. 5: First Friday flags
5-13: Celebrating Diversity flags for U.S. Civil Rights Trail Announcement
14-19: US flags for Presidents Day
20-25: Celebrating Diversity flags for Black History Month
26-Mar. 3: First Friday flags
March
Feb. 26-Mar. 3: First Friday flags
11-17: Irish flags for St. Patrick’s Day
25-31: U.S. flags for Fredericksburg’s Birthday
April
1-10: U.S. and German flags for German Sister City visit
22-28: U.S. flags for Garden Week
29-May 5: First Friday flags
May
6-12: UMW flags for graduation
13-19: U.S. flags for Historic Half
20-Jun. 16: U.S. flags for Memorial Day and Flag Day
June
17-23: Celebrating Diversity flags for Juneteenth
24-30: Pride flags for Pride Month and Pride March/Festival on June 30
July
1-25: U.S. flags for July 4th, Bastille Day and French Sister City visit
26-Aug 4: Restaurant Week flags
August
9-18: City School flags for the start of the new school year
19-25: UMW flags for start of new school year and welcome back
26-Sept. 2: U.S. flags for Labor Day
September
2-15: U.S. flags for Patriot Day
30 -Oct 6: First Friday flags
October
7-27: Fall Flags for Scarecrow Fest
28-Nov. 3: First Friday flags
November
4-12: U.S. flags for Veterans Day
13-Dec. 31: Holiday flags
December
1-31: Holiday Flags
Correction
Our May 30 story Wanted: One Developer for Vacant Spotsylvania Parcel suggested that the county was seeking to attract a developer, which was incorrect. The story has been updated to reflect this change, as well as clarifications about the parcel’s connection to Chancellor Green and traffic numbers. The Advance regrets the errors.
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