In 1853, the Reicheldfer clan platted out the town of Harlan. In 1953, the community celebrated their Centennial. There was a tractor pull, parade, cotton candy, a watermelon tent, the infamous Skunk Mountain Boys made their appearance, but one thing was missing. Finally, after another 68 years, that deficiency has been corrected. Doyle Gerig, much in the spirit of his father, Don Gerig, suggested that Harlan needed a flag of their own.
In this year’s parade, right up there with our American Flag, the newly unfurled flag will be displayed, and carried by Tyler Friend. Tyler is in the 6th grade at Woodlan, and lives in Harlan. A contest was held in April, 2021 for the purpose of designing and creating a Flag specifically to honor the 168 years of Harlan history.
The many entries poured into Harlan Christian Youth Center, Inc, and were presented to a most distinguished panel of three judges. They have asked to remain anonymous, but certainly made a fantastic choice in selecting Tyler’s entry.
The 3 x 5’ flag in three colors, blue, gold, and white, was made by our friends at Clover Printing. Surrounded by 8 gold stars, the fabled Harlan Hawk flies unchallenged to this day.
Come out to the Harlan Days parade at 10:00 AM on Saturday August 7 and join Tyler in the annual Harlan Days celebration.