Emporia’s veteran banner slots are tentatively full after Emporia Main Street’s annual lottery drawing Wednesday.
Over 220 people applied for 15 open spots. The list of award winners have until July 15 to pay the $200 sponsorship fee and bring in a suitable photo for use. Main Street will have a secondary drawing if people decide not to move forward with processing a banner.
Director Casey Woods says the banner project is big for Main Street because it helps to give veterans their due. It also has spurred other local veterans recognition projects.
Events Coordinator Jessica Buchholz says Main Street has gravitated to the banners in part because it’s a good conversation starter about the importance of veterans locally.
The selection process was originally first-come, first-served, but lengthy lines developed on selection day so Main Street decided on a lottery selection format. Banners now stretch from the Emporia State campus to the All Veterans Memorial. Banners fly during the All Veterans Tribute for four years and are then returned.
More information about the banner project is online at www.emporiamainstreet.com.
