The City of Crosslake is displaying more than 500 American flags to commemorate the 250th anniversary of America’s founding. The initiative, dubbed “Crosslake Freedom Flags,” will line city streets with the Stars and Stripes.
“What began as a vision to celebrate freedom, honor our nation’s heritage, and recognize those who have served has grown into one of the largest patriotic community displays in the region,” notes a city press release.
According to the city, Crosslake Freedom Flags is “a true community effort” that was made possible by donations from businesses, city residents, and other supporters. In total, over $25,000 was donated to make the flag display happen.
The flags will be on display from July 1 through July 14. However, Crosslake Freedom Flags is intended to become an annual tradition. A city press release says the intention is for the flags to fly every year over Memorial Day weekend, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day weekend.
“Crosslake Freedom Flags is about much more than displaying American flags,” Crosslake Mayor Jackson Purfeerst said in a statement. “It is about remembering those who have fought and currently fight for our freedoms, honoring the Founding Fathers and the patriots of the Revolutionary War who believed that a free people could govern themselves, and preserving the heritage they secured through their courage and sacrifice.”
The city says the flags will be visible “throughout Crosslake’s major corridors” and create a “striking patriotic experience for residents and visitors alike during one of the busiest weeks of the summer.”
According to the city, dozens of volunteers assisted in placing the flags throughout Crosslake. Additionally, “city staff, local organizations, businesses, and community members donated their time, talent, and resources to make the project possible.”
In addition to the flags, Crosslake’s Fourth of July festivities will include a boat parade with a “massive American flag,” a “Revolutionary War-themed barge complete with a cannon,” and a military flyover featuring two Beechcraft T-34 Mentor and two North American T-6 Texans.
“Crosslake Freedom Flags is a reminder of that legacy, a celebration of what unites us as Americans, and a testament to what a community can accomplish when people come together behind a shared vision,” added Purfeerst.
Rachael Van Rossum
Rachael Van Rossum is a journalist and author who studies political science in the Twin Cities. She previously interned with the Illinois House of Representatives and recently published her debut fantasy novel "The Hellburner of Sovi." Rachael is passionate about telling compelling stories and bringing to life the voices of political figures, athletes, and members of her community through engaging writing. She is the Alpha News journalism fellow for the summer of 2026.
