Since its inception in 1993, 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. A United States Flag every 40 feet, on every street, in the Village of Oak Hill was one of the original goals of a small group in the Village. 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, as 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. The Festival of Flags now includes the Park by holding some activities there. 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. In the past, the center of the Festival took place around the Old Central School. Now, the festival is held in Aetna Park, 415 N. Crafts, food booths, carnival rides, old car show, children’s activities and free entertainment are offered during the Festival.
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Past Festival of Flags Queen
1993- Rebecca Howell
1994- Marelle Clagg
1995- Carina Blackburn
1996- Beth Malone
1997- Rebecca Adkins
1998- Kristi Woodruff
1999- Crystal Haas
2000- Jodi McNeal
2001- Andrea Bowens
2002- Katie Davis
2003- Kendra Fisher
2004- Vanessa Howell
2005- Ashley Hammond
2006- Renea Hamilton
2007- Kirstin Leonard
2008- Cassidy Claffey
2009- Paula McCabe
2010- Aarian McCain
2011- Mykah Walter
2012- Rylee Bates
2013- Mikka French
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2005- Taylor Butler
2006- Paula McCabe
2007-Ashley Potter
2008-Carolyn Snyder
2009-Kayla McNeal
2010 - Amanda Lewis
2011- No Listing
2012- Brianna McNeal
2013- Viktoria Leonard
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Past Little Queens
1993- Ashley Midkiff
1994- Brandi Smith
1995- Brandi Hollbrook
1996- Keirsten Clarke
1997- Jordan Chandler
1998- Shanna Christian
1999- Tiffani Hale
2000- Bethany Colvin
2001- Jordan Hatten
2002- Janie Hatfield
2003- Katlyn Nichols
2004- Amanda Lewis
2005- Gabrielle Jacobs
2006- Alissa Bates
2007- Brianna McNeal
2008- Gabby Reese
2009- Whitney Davis
2010- Timea Burnett
2011- Tamryn McCain
2012- Alyssa Gray
2013- Haley Saxour
