Enumclaw is looking to adopt a municipal flag — and your design could be chosen.
In anticipation of city hall’s 100th birthday (and an upcoming celebration), Enumclaw is hosting a municipal flag design contest. All ages are encouraged to enter, as “we will use a graphic designer to clean up or maybe change the design a tad to create an official flag,” said Cultural Programs and Events Coordinator Alina Hibbs.
For those that are new to vexillology (the study of flag history, symbolism, and flag use), here are some quick tips the city has provided to help you design your flag:
• Is it simple? A young student should be able to draw it from memory.
• What symbolism do you use? There should be meaning behind your design. Consider how your designs tie into the local community.
• How distinct is your design? It should be unique compared to other municipal flags.
• How clear is your design? You should be able to see the details of your flag when you create your design within a 1-inch by 1.5-inch rectangle.
• How many colors do you use? Again, simplicity is key — stick to two or three colors.
• Text, coat of arms, or seals on flags are generally discouraged.
All submitted designs should come with a written explanation of why your flag should be chosen, and the meaning behind the various colors, symbols, and shapes that you use. There is no limit on how many designs you can submit.
Designs are due by Dec. 30, and should be submitted to ahibbs@ci.enumclaw.wa.us; a design is hoped to be chosen “just after the new year,” Hibbs said.
The design will be chosen by the mayor and city council, with a likely formal public comment and review period.
For additional resources, visit the North American Vexillological Association at https://nava.org/good-flag-bad-flag.
A CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
Enumclaw’s city hall was completed on Nov. 1, 1921.
In recognition of that date, Mayor Jan Molinaro has organized a 100th year anniversary Nov. 1 – 5.
The celebration will allow residents to peruse the building and read up on a chronological history of city hall, from when it was being planned by city residents a century ago to the modernized building Enumclaw enjoys today.
