Since its inception in 1992, the Festival of Flags has become a true “homecoming” event that attracts alumni and former residents alike. The Festival celebrates patriotism, family and friends – true American values. The Festival charges no admission and has brought first class entertainment to the community. The Festival is involved and supports the Beautify Oak Hill Committee, which included the Oak Hill Mural Project.
The Oak Hill Festival of Flags was started in 1992 by an organization initially brought together to preserve an old school building.
After Central, an old school dating back to 1901, was retired by the Oak Hill school system, a group of concerned citizens formed an ad hoc committee committed to preserving the school, taking it out of mothballs and perhaps even converting it into a community center.
Dan Brisker pitched the Festival of Flags idea to the Save Central Committee and the committee jumped on the idea. The decision to schedule the festival for the Memorial Day weekend fit with the flags/patriotic theme. Also, it was a long pre-summer weekend which already saw many ex-residents returning home for family visits, class reunions or for recreation.
Although Central School, has been torn down now, the Festival of Flags continues. The Oak Hill Area Chamber of Commerce purchased the old school property and turned it into Central Park.
On its inaugural year, village and area residents purchased over 1,000 American flags to be displayed. In the third year, close to 2,000 flags were displayed along the village streets. It is an inspiring sight to see all of the flags waving in the breeze.
The Festival, registered with the Ohio Festival Association, takes place during the Memorial Day weekend (Friday to Monday).
