American flags may adorn Main Street in downtown Washington in an effort not only for July 4 but during future festivals and for beautification purposes as well.

Bob Henkel, owner of the Inner Banks Artisans’ Center, collaborated with the Washington Harbor District Alliance to develop a plan for putting American flags on utility poles along Main Street.

“It’s something that everyone can get involved with,” he said. “It’s not going to cost the city anything.”

Gary Ceres, co-owner of I Can’t Believe It’s a Book Store, said when he found out Henkel was pushing the idea of putting American flags along Main Street, he wanted to jump aboard as well.

Ceres said he thought it was a great idea because people can buy flags and attachment fixtures for the poles.

“It’s just a good opportunity for people to be a part of the beautification of downtown Washington and show their patriotism,” Ceres said. “I really do think it’s something that people can contribute to and be proud of.”

Ceres said people can put the flags out whenever there are festivals in the downtown Washington area, or in town in general, including during Music in the Streets events that occur the third Friday of every month from April through October.

Flags would be flown during certain holidays, too, but not every day of a year.

The flags, three feet high and five feet wide, sell for $20 each. People may also buy flags for themselves to put on their houses or donate to the city.
Henkel said the cost of a flag with required mounting equipment is $50.

“Each purchase helps to beautify downtown Washington’s Harbor District with flags for our streets,” Henkel said.

The proposal was put on hold by the Washington City Council during its meeting Monday. Council members raised concerns about placing flags on city-owned utility poles, saying improperly attached flags could cause damage to those poles. WHDA was instructed to review the proposal with Keith Hardt, Washington Electric Utilities director, to get his input on the matter. Council members also expressed concern that the public would hold the city responsible for any breech of flag etiquette noticed by passersby. Henkel said WHDA would be responsible for ensuring the flags are taken care of in the proper manner.

Council members expressed similar concerns about banners WHDA is proposing to sell to merchants. The banners — the one displayed at the council meeting depicted Blackbeard — also would be attached to utility poles.

To find out more about the project, call the Washington Harbor District Alliance at 252-948-3712.