Missoula Downtown Partnership to Fly Flags on Higgins Bridge

Fourth of July Deecor and Downtown ToNight to Commemorate the Holiday

\The Missoula Fire Department is teaming up with the Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) of Missoula to install over a dozen American flags on the Higgins Avenue Bridge for the month of July.

After a series of flag thefts a decade ago, Downtown groups had to raise the flag brackets on light poles out of the reach of 12-foot ladders.

A recent request from Alderman Jon Wilkins to revisit flying flags Downtown prompted the Downtown BID and Fire Chief Jason Diehl to join forces and problem solve how to restart the tradition of featuring flags on holidays.

Early on the morning of July 2, a team led by Missoula Fire Department Maintenance Supervisor Sean Garner will install flags across the Higgins Bridge. The flags, provided by the Downtown BID, will honor Missoula Veterans and Servicemen and Women, and commemorate the Fourth of July.

"This is an easy lift for us to make," said Chief Jason Diehl. "We have just the right equipment to install the flags and we are honored to volunteer our services and help pay tribute to those who serve in our Armed Forces."

The Downtown BID will be working on a plan to expand flags throughout the Downtown district next summer.

"We’ll roll up our sleeves and explore what fundraising and partnership building can be done to include American Flags Downtown on patriotic holidays," said Tim France, Downtown BID Board Chair and owner of Worden’s Market.

Also commemorating Independence Day, the Missoula Downtown Association will be hosting a special edition of Downtown ToNight on July 4th in Caras Park from 5:30PM – 8:30PM. There will be live music by Kung Fu Kongress, children’s activities by the Missoula Family YMCA, and delicious food, beer and wine for sale. Parking is free downtown all day on July 4, and admission to Downtown ToNight is always free.

For questions or more information, please call Melanie Brock of the Downtown BID at 406.543.4238.