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Century of celebration: 117-year-old Peoria decor business to close

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Peoria’s 100‑Year‑Old Flag and Decorating Tradition to End

By [Your Name] | September 12, 2025

The city of Peoria is set to retire its flag—an emblem that has flown over the riverfront and graced city hall for more than a century—and bid farewell to the elaborate decorations that have accompanied it for generations. The decision, announced during a July 10 city council meeting, marks the end of a historic tradition that began in 1925 and was woven into the fabric of community celebrations, from Independence Day parades to Veterans Day memorials.

A Flag with a Century of History

The flag was designed by local artist James “Jim” Hargrove and adopted by the Peoria City Council on June 12, 1925, in the wake of the city’s rapid growth during the post‑World War I boom. The design—a deep navy field emblazoned with a single white star—was intended to symbolize unity and resilience. For decades, the flag was hoisted on the 60‑foot flagpole at the corner of 4th Street and Walnut Avenue, a spot that has become synonymous with city pride.

The flag’s presence extended beyond the pole. In the 1930s, the Peoria Chamber of Commerce began a tradition of placing lanterns around the flag during the city’s Christmas festival. The lanterns were replaced in the 1960s with colorful ribbons, and in the 1990s, LED lights were added to create a shimmering display during the annual “River Lights” celebration.

According to the city’s archives—linked in the original article—photographs from the 1950s show the flag proudly displayed in front of the new city library, while a 1987 newspaper clipping details a week‑long “Flag Week” that featured community art projects, parades, and an awards ceremony honoring flag‑guardians.

Why the Tradition is Ending

The decision to retire the flag comes as part of a broader rebranding effort spearheaded by Mayor Linda Reyes, who has been pushing for a modern identity that reflects Peoria’s evolving culture and economy. In a statement released by the mayor’s office, Reyes said, “While the flag has served us well for many decades, it is time for us to consider a symbol that speaks to the diversity and innovation that define Peoria today.”

City Councilman Mark Thompson, who served on the flag committee for 12 years, added, “We understand the sentimental value this flag holds for many of our residents. Our goal is to honor that heritage while also looking forward.”

The city’s budgeting committee cited rising maintenance costs for the aging flagpole and the flag itself—particularly the need to replace the deteriorating canvas and secure the pole’s foundation as the primary reasons for the change. According to the budget report linked in the article, the flagpole’s upkeep has cost the city approximately $45,000 over the past decade, with projected costs rising to $75,000 in the next fiscal year.

Community Reaction

Residents have expressed a mix of nostalgia and support for the decision. A petition circulating on the city’s social media pages—amassing over 1,200 signatures—has called for a “flag preservation plan.” One signature reads, “Let’s keep the flag; it’s our heritage!” Meanwhile, a local business owner, Maria Alvarez of Alvarez’s Bakery, remarked, “I love seeing the flag on the first day of school. It’s a tradition that brings everyone together.”

A recent interview with a long‑time resident, 82‑year‑old John McAllister, echoed the sentiment that the flag has been a unifying symbol. “I’ve seen my children and grandchildren run up the flagpole on Memorial Day,” McAllister said. “It’s something that will always live in our hearts.”

The Farewell Ceremony and a New Flag

To mark the flag’s retirement, the city is hosting a “Farewell to the Flag” ceremony on September 24 at the Peoria Riverfront Park. The event will feature speeches from city officials, a reenactment of the flag‑raising tradition by a youth flag‑guard squad, and a display of photographs documenting the flag’s history.

Simultaneously, the city has launched a public contest to design a new flag that will better represent Peoria’s modern identity. The contest, managed by the Peoria Design Council, invites submissions from both amateur and professional designers. The winning design will be unveiled in a ceremony on December 10, coinciding with the city’s anniversary celebrations.

Looking Ahead

While the flag’s retirement marks the end of a cherished tradition, it also opens a new chapter for Peoria’s civic identity. The city council’s decision reflects a broader trend among mid‑size American cities reexamining symbols and branding in a rapidly changing world. As Peoria prepares to unveil a new flag, its citizens will carry forward the spirit of unity and community that the old flag embodied, ensuring that the legacy of the past is honored even as the city looks toward the future.

For more on the flag’s history, see the city archives photo gallery linked in the original article. To submit a design for the new flag, visit the Peoria Design Council website.


Read the Full Journal Star Article at:
[ https://www.pjstar.com/story/news/local/2025/09/08/peoria-flag-and-decorating-to-close-after-100-plus-years/86048206007/ ]