Last week, municipal officials announced their intention to establish an official city flag. City Hall will be accepting designs through July 16.
City Hall will accept flag design submissions from Bristowans of any age, but designers will have less than a month to create and submit their designs for consideration. Additionally, officials noted that all submissions must adhere to the flag design principles of the North American Vexillological Association, NAVA. Officials stated those principles as including the use of simple designs that are memorable and can be drawn by hand, use of a maximum of three colors, include symbols reflecting the entire community’s history and culture, be free of written words and seals, and be original designs free of copyright infringement.
However, NAVA’s website also notes that exceptions to principles such as use of color and symbolism should be flexible, indicating that some designs with more than 3 colors and other design deviations result in inspiring flags. In fact, NAVA’s website states “Fundamental and generally accepted principles underlie effective flag design (vexillography), supported by observation, experience, and empirical analysis. However,any discussion about what makes a good design is strongly influenced by individual tastes, color preferences, and a sense of proportion and balance. Not all people will like the same thing and many flags may not meet the generally accepted principles of good design, but still inspire the people they represent.”
With the stated principles and community in mind, residents are encouraged to exhibit their creative talents and submit unique, original designs promptly to be considered for judging. According to the City’s flag design contest rules, the judging panel will include a variety of locals: historians, community leaders, artists, city officials, and even the general public.
The winning flag design will be announced during the August 19 City Council meeting, and the winner will receive a certificate of recognition. The winning design will be adopted as the official City of Bristow flag.
For additional information regarding contest rules and submission requirements or to ask questions, residents may contact City Hall at 918-367-2237.