As Delavan prepares to join the nation in marking the United States Semiquincentennial—the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence—the Optimist Club of Delavan is spearheading a new patriotic initiative designed to bring celebration to neighborhoods across town. The project, called the Avenue of Flags, aims to line Delavan’s residential streets with American flags on five major federal holidays throughout the year.

Residents may have recently noticed bright paint markings appearing along the city easements in front of homes. These markings, placed by JULIE (Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators), indicate underground utilities and are part of the preparation for installing ground-level flagpole sockets. The sockets will sit flush with the ground, ensuring they do not interfere with mowing or yard maintenance. Once installed, each socket will hold a flagpole that volunteers will place and remove on designated holidays.

The Optimist Club is offering to purchase, install, display, store, and maintain an American flag for every participating home within Delavan’s contiguous residential area. The boundaries include Harris Street on the west, Green Street and Heritage Lane on the east, C Street on the north, and 11th Street on the south. The goal is ambitious and symbolic: to display 250 flags across town in honor of America’s 250th birthday.

Liz Skinner, Delavan’s former longtime mayor and current chairperson of the Avenue of Flags committee, says the project reflects the spirit of the community. “Delavan has always been a very patriotic town,” Skinner said. “I know they will want to come together to celebrate this country’s birthday.” Skinner noted that the program offers residents a simple, meaningful way to participate in the Semiquincentennial while contributing to a shared display of pride.

The Avenue of Flags is modeled in part after the American Legion’s long-standing tradition of lining Locust Street with flags on holidays. For years, Legion volunteers have ensured that Delavan’s business district is dressed in red, white, and blue during moments of national remembrance and celebration. The Optimist Club hopes to extend that same sense of honor and visibility into the residential neighborhoods, creating a unified display that stretches across the community.

Flags will be placed on five major federal holidays: Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, and Veterans Day. Volunteers will handle all aspects of the program, from installation to storage, ensuring that participation requires no ongoing effort from homeowners.

The cost to join the program is $50 per flag location, which covers all materials and long-term maintenance. Participants may also choose to add a dedication sign for an additional $10. These small markers can honor or memorialize an individual, family, veteran, or group—adding a personal touch to each display.

Optimist Club members say the project has already generated interest, with many residents expressing enthusiasm about seeing Delavan’s streets lined with flags during the Semiquincentennial year. The club hopes that the Avenue of Flags will become a lasting tradition, continuing long after the 250th anniversary has passed.

For now, the focus is on preparing the sockets, organizing volunteers, and inviting residents to take part. As Skinner noted, “This is a moment for Delavan to shine. When those flags go up, it will be something special for all of us."