ST. ALBANS, Vt. (WCAX) – The city of St. Albans is considering a first-ever flag to represent the Franklin County community.
“It sounds like a fun idea. Could be neat to have our flag hanging in the park and from our little street lights,” said Donna Howard, a local business owner for three decades. She says proposals presented that include a maple leaf would be fitting. “It’s a good design. It uses the city logo, which is nice. There were a couple of different designs that were discussed. I understand why they went with the maple leaf because of the maple festival. Even before the current maple festival, there was a maple festival back in the turn of the century that was held in St. Albans.”
The idea was proposed by a resident and others have said they felt the city needed a flag. And city officials agree, saying the idea fits with their plans to re-vamp the city’s image. “The city realized a while ago, back when we started this new round of redevelopment and re-vitalization, that branding is important, that having a sense of place and a look and feel are very important. So, a flag is more an issue of community pride, sort of display, an official symbol,” said the city’s Chip Sawyer.
Some folks we spoke with say the design should include a railroad, the fountain in the park, or the classic maple leaf. Everyone seems to have their own opinions.
“I like it, I think the maple leaf is really nice symbolism for Vermont in general. I think the color could be better. I think it’s a little bland and a little to brown for my taste. But I think it’s a really sweet idea. I think the railroad is a great idea. It’s such a historic thing in St. Albans,” said Maria Oprea of Bakersfield.
Officials plan to weigh the options over the next couple of months, reworking the rough draft that was presented to the City Council on Tuesday.