Peace Avenue of Flags to move downtown

Talk about it

WORTHINGTON — Southwest Minnesota’s abundance of wind may be a good source of renewable energy, but they have wreaked havoc on Worthington’s Peace Avenue of Flags after just one season of display on Oxford Street and Humiston Avenue.

As a result, Worthington Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Darlene Macklin and Community Improvement Committee member Suzanne Murphy asked Nobles County commissioners on Tuesday to move the flags to the Government Center in downtown Worthington.

The proposal is to attach steel plates to the Third Avenue (southeast) side of the building, complete with brackets to hold 48 flags from the countries representing the county’s diverse population.

The display would also include a Minnesota flag, POW (Prisoner of War) flag and a large U.S. flag, which would be illuminated with lighting.

Murphy said three concrete contractors agreed the attachments would not damage the building, adding that the steel would be painted the same color as the building’s exterior to blend in.

“We thought about flag poles and then came up with this idea,” said Murphy, noting that the flags would be better protected from the wind. “We would like your blessing to move forward.”

“Once you put it up there, it’s going to be up there for the next 50 to 60 years,” said Commissioner Vern Leistico. “If you don’t keep the flags looking nice, it won’t look good.”

Macklin said the Avenue of Flags is a long-term project for the Chamber and assured the flags would be maintained.

It is not seeking county funds to maintain the flags at the site.

Commissioner David Benson said the site is a nice location because it serves as a backdrop for the International Festival in July.

He also said there are plans to do some tuck-pointing on the Government Center, and asked if the flags could be installed after that work was completed.

“I think it’s an excellent idea,” added Commissioner Bob Demuth. “I would endorse the concept.”

The board approved the plan, and the hope is that the flags will be in place prior to this summer’s International Festival.

Daily Globe Reporter Julie Buntjer may be reached at 376-7330.

Tags: peace avenue of flags, news, move, downtown