Lincolnwood continued its annual August tradition of celebrating its residents’ diverse backgrounds by displaying international flags along Lincoln Avenue.
Assistant Village Manager Madeline Farrell told Pioneer Press that 47 street poles on Lincoln Avenue, from West Devon Avenue to Jarvis Avenue, feature a total of 63 flags, with some poles having two of them.
“The display showcases or represents the diverse populations that are either residents or operating within the village,” Farrell said.
According to Farrell, Public Works Department crews put the flags up on Lincoln Avenue, which is a high-traffic thoroughfare in the village.
Farrell said continents represented in the display include Asia, Australia, Europe, North America and South America.
“We add flags every year when requested and they go through the application process,” Farrell said. “If there is an application for a new flag, the applicant is asked to submit a $50 check to cover the cost of the flag.”
Farrell said there are flags from such countries as Argentina, Armenia, Canada, Costa Rica, England, Greece, Hungary, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Philippines, Scotland, Spain, Switzerland and Wales.
“Flags are not repurchased every year so we are able to reuse them,” Farrell said.
According to Farrell, the flags were purchased from a variety of vendors over the years.
The Lincoln Avenue display also has American flags, which Farrell said are intermingled.
“This annual tradition celebrates unity, inclusion and the cultural richness that defines Lincolnwood,” officials stated on the village’s Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) social meda pages.
According to the village website, Lincolnwood honors its cultural tapestry throughout the year by showcasing displays of lights and flags.
“These visual tributes are thoughtfully designed to celebrate recognized holidays, promote awareness and strengthen the sense of unity among residents,” officials state on the website.
There are light displays for Valentine’s Day, President’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Ramadan, Earth Day, Memorial Day, Pride Month, Flag Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Patriot Day, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Halloween, Diwali, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas, the website states.
“From the vibrant lighting of the Touhy Avenue overpass to the symbolic display of flags on Lincoln Avenue, each installation reflects the values, traditions and shared spirit that make Lincolnwood unique,” officials state on the website.
There are gay pride flags displayed in June, American flags displayed in July and flags of diversity displayed in August, the website states.
According to the 2025 “Village of Lincolnwood Community Profile” prepared by the Community Development Department, the village population is predominately white with a significant Asian presence, along with representation from all racial groups.
“Ethnically, Lincolnwood is quite diverse,” officials state in the profile. “More than 34 percent of residents are foreign-born and approximately 52 percent of residents aged 5 and older use a foreign language for communication at home.”
Jessi Virtusio is a freelancer.