Starting Aug. 15, fifty flags representing the United States of America will go on display along the downtown Washington waterfront.

Bob Henkel, owner of the Inner Banks Artisans’ Center, said he got the idea to add to the city’s collection of flags to give downtown Washington more color to go along with the existing Bennington “76” flags, he said.

“This brings color and life to downtown and we need that,” Henkel said.

The state flags will be on display down the waterfront Stewart Parkway to the end of Water Street.

Henkel raised the money to purchase the flags through contributions from downtown restaurants and other individuals.

At Music in the Streets, Washington’s monthly musical street festival, Henkel plans to launch the new display through a historical reenactment of Paul Revere’s ride. Between 8:30 p.m. and 9 p.m., the “76” flags will be raised on the bridge. The Dock Master Station’s lights will blink and someone manning a lantern on the bridge will blink its lights in return, launching a Paul Revere impersonator’s ride across the bridge into the city, Henkel said.

“From there we will put the 13 state flags of the Original 13 colonies up on the waterfront,” Henkel said. “All the flags behind that will be the different states.”

Henkel said he isn’t sure whether the flags will be hung alphabetic order or by order of acceptance into the Union.

“All will fit, but two of them right in the area of downtown,” Henkel said. “That’s parking lots and the waterfront area.”

Because eastern North Carolina residents come from all over the country, Henkel is seeking out people who’d like to carry his or her home state’s flag to its respective pole. Henkel said he is asking for a $10 donation, which will help pay for the flag.

“It’s an association we all have. I’m from California, and I’m going to carry the California flag,” Henkel said.

For more information, call Henkel at 252-975-2223.