Omayra Acevedo, Peak to Peak. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, a flag “is a piece of cloth, bunting, or similar material displaying the insignia of a sovereign state, a community, an organization, an armed force, an office, or an individual.” Flags throughout the world’s history have been used for many purposes. Some of which were for signaling, decoration, display or to identify a friend or foe.

This week, we are going to identify a group of friends who have given the idea of flags a new meaning. Friends of Clear Creek began two years ago as a non-profit 501c3 organization, when locals in Empire came together to fight the development of a gravel pit that was attempting to destroy the last plateau in their county. Yes, they won! Since then, they have continued to preserve natural resources and protect their communities.

Friends of Clear Creek have created an adopt-a-highway program through the town of Empire, reinstated the Street of Flags programs – that started in the 1950s – and find themselves working on the First Clear Creek County Heritage festival on August 15, 2020, for some good old-fashioned fun. 

What’s the Street of Flags? Good question. I’m getting to that now. Colonel Hadley Quaintance, once a resident of Empire, had told some friends about the famed street of flags he had seen in Amsterdam, while stationed in Europe. Residents of the town decided to duplicate it. The rest as they say, is history. 

A few passionate Empire locals have tried to keep the flag history going, but without ample team effort the effect wasn’t sizable enough. Now, with a unified team and people leaning to support each other and lift spirits during the Covid19 pandemic, the Street of Flags is being reborn. Friends of Clear Creek’s Mojo Lucas, Jeannette Piel and Margi Kaspari are encouraging individuals to have their heritage displayed on Hwy 40 through main street Empire.  Whether it’s a State flag or an International Flag they want people to feel a part of this endeavor. A true testament of miracles we can create when we all come together!

The goal is to have 100 flags to be proudly displayed over the summer. You can drop off your flag (or other donations) at the Empire Town Hall. Visit their website for location and more information. I think Margi said it best when she said, “We are all in this together. The Street of Flags is a visual representation of that motto.” How beautiful is that?! Today, thanks to Friends of Clear Creek, flags are a way to express and bring unity, joy and love to all. 

For more information check out https://www.friendsofclearcreek.com/