The Susanville Rotary Club is embarking on an ambitious fundraising campaign to significantly expand its iconic “Avenue of Flags” display along Main Street, aiming to double the number of flags flown in celebration of the club’s upcoming centennial and the nation’s 250th anniversary of independence.
For years, the Rotary Club’s flag trailer has brought patriotic displays to Susanville, with flags appearing 8 to 10 times annually, weather permitting. However, with the last major overhaul of the flags dating back to 2008-2009, and recent concrete work on Main Street reducing the number of usable flag installation holes by approximately 25%, the club is facing a need for significant restoration and expansion.
“We currently are down to approximately 75 useable holes and have about 100 useable flags,” said Rotary member Jim Chapman. Historically, Main Street has accommodated 103 to 104 flag spots.
Under the leadership of president-elect Todd Eid, from Susanville Supermarket/IGA, who will assume the presidency on July 1st for the club’s Centennial Year, and with Bill Gillaspie slated as the next president-elect, the club is ready for a major initiative. Shane Holland, from Plumas Bank, has taken a crucial role on the flag trailer committee, diligently organizing work parties to replace lost flag holes. The club is now planning to replace virtually all existing holes to ensure a robust display.
The inspiration for the expansion struck during preparations for Memorial Day. Todd Eid and Shane Holland conceived a “spectacular” plan to add 100 more flags to the trailer, effectively doubling their presence on Main Street by flying 100 flags on each side of the street. This would mean four flags per block, significantly enhancing the town’s patriotic decorations.
To achieve this vision, the Rotary Club estimates needing to raise between $5,000 and $7,000, depending on donated materials. The fundraiser has already seen a strong start with several $1,000 and $500 donations. Jessica Miller, from Susanville Supermarket/IGA, spearheaded a creative “check register card” initiative at the supermarket, allowing customers to easily contribute $5 or $25 at checkout. This effort alone has already generated nearly $2,000 and continues to grow daily.
Special cards recognizing larger contributions are proudly displayed at the store.
The club hopes to reach its fundraising goal by July 4th, enabling them to begin acquiring new flags and poles. In the interim, volunteers will be actively drilling new holes, particularly in areas where new concrete has been laid. Once concrete work at the east end of town is complete and cured, the club anticipates re-establishing flag spots there, creating a two-mile “Avenue of Flags” spanning the entire length of Main Street.
Beyond holiday displays, the Susanville Rotary Club is considering a special expansion for their centennial and the nation’s 250th, aiming to display the flags for at least 100 days throughout the year. “It’s an ambitious project, the club is willing and excited to try and accomplish the goal,” said Chapman. “What we need now is the support of the community with those $5 and $25 donations to cover the costs. 200 Flags are a lot of Flags and will be spectacular!”
The community’s support is crucial to making this grand display a reality.
