Frederick County, Maryland has a new flag design after more than 3,000 votes were casted in a flag redesign contest held from May 5 until last Saturday, June 10.
The full press release from Frederick County on June 14th 2023 (Flag Day) can be read below:
“Frederick, the Crossroads of Maryland,” has been selected as the winner of Frederick County’s 275th Anniversary County flag re-design contest.
The new flag, designed by Frederick County resident Marc DeOcampo, includes red, yellow, black, and white shapes that intersect forming a crossroad design.
The design narrative states “Frederick County, rich
history, bright future. Where the east opens to the west and north connects with the south. Where traditions enrich innovation and technology. Where one can find both authentic rural hamlets and vibrant urban cities. Where farm to table happens every day. Where generational families’ welcome newcomers to the community. Where diverse backgrounds, cultures, faiths, races, ages, and abilities come to share and thrive. Frederick County, for 275 years serving as a crossroads at the center of Maryland, 1748-2023.”
County Executive Jessica Fitzwater announced the County flag re-design contest in January 2023. “The contest honors our tradition of residents designing and selecting the County’s flag as a way to commemorate Frederick County’s founding,” County Executive Fitzwater said.
More than 3,000 votes were cast in the final round of the re-design contest, which was held from May 5 until last Saturday, June 10, concluding following the 275th Jubilee event. The winning design received 35 percent of the votes.
When told his design had won, Mr. DeOcampo said, “I am thankful for the unexpected honor to have my flag design selected to symbolize our County. I never imagined spending an enjoyable afternoon designing flags with my teenage son would turn into a meaningful reflection of Frederick County as the crossroads of Maryland.”
Contest voters could choose between one of four options, three new designs and the current county flag, which was created as part of a similar contest held during the County’s celebration of the Bicentennial. County facilities will begin to fly the new flag design within the coming months.
For more information about the 275th Anniversary celebration, please visit FrederickCountyMD.gov/275 or contact 275@FrederickCountyMD.gov.”
DeOcampo will receive a cash prize of $1,275 and a full-size flag with the design. County facilities will begin to fly the new flag in the coming months, per the press release. The original county flag was designed by local James Pearl, who won a similar contest by Frederick County in 1976. The flag displays Francis Scott Key pointing at an outline of the county with a background of red and white horizontal stripes.
Frederick City Media 