A white field with three alternating rays expanding from the center blue circle with the Zia symbol for happiness in white.
Designed by
Cecil McAlister
Wichita's official city flag was adopted in 1937. Designed by a local artist from South Wichita, Cecil McAlister, it represents freedom, happiness, contentment and home.
The blue sun in the center represents happiness and contentment. The Zia symbol for permanent ‘home’ is stitched on the blue sun. The three red and white rays that alternate from the off-center blue sun represent the path of freedom to come and go as one pleases.
Selected from more than 100 entries that were submitted for a city flag design contest, it was officially adopted on Flag Day, June 14, 1937, by Mayor T. Walker Weaver. The first Wichita flag was produced by local seamstress Mary J. Harper. It flew for the first time on July 23, 1937, over City Hall.
History
The early 20th century was a difficult time for the young city of Wichita. It saw the ups and downs of the oil industry, the Great Depression, the boom of the aircraft industry and rapid growth and expansion of manufacturing jobs during World War II. The cycle of innovation and invention throughout Wichita generated numerous taglines, catchphrases, and monikers. From Cowtown to Doo Dah to the first claim of the world title: The Broomcorn Capital, left Wichita feeling outdated and out of touch with larger cities.[1][2]
With the varied aircraft industry and test center for aviation moving into town, Wichita was soon dubbed the "Air Capital of the World." However, after the Depression and the Dust Bowl sweeping through the city, city leaders determined that Wichita needed more than a slogan, but something visual - a flag.[1][2]
The Contest
In 1937, the forefathers of Wichita generated the idea to hold a contest for local Wichitans to design a flag. A panel of artists was gathered to judge the submitted designs and a variety of winnings were offered. Over 100 submissions were received and the panel of judges went to work determining the next identity associated with Wichita. Cecil McAlister was selected as the winner and the grand prize of $40 was handed out.[1]
On June 14, 1937, Mayor T. Walker Weaver announced the winning design and adopted it as the official flag of Wichita. The next step: making it visually known. Seamstress Mary J. Harper, the Betsy Ross of Wichita, was selected to stitch together the complicated new flag design. She took one day to complete the first Wichita flag and ended up sewing six in total for the city.[1]
The first flag was raised at the City Hall flag pole on July 23, 1937.
Resurgence
The flag has been an official symbol of Wichita since 1937, but until recently very few Wichitans were familiar with it or even knew what it was.[2] Throughout the past few years, Wichitans have been voicing their pride for their city. The Wichita flag is now being flown at a number of places: businesses, schools, and neighborhoods.[3]
A 2004 survey by the North American Vexillological Association ranked the Wichita flag as the 6th best design out of 150 cities.[4][5][6]
Flag elements were incorporated in the Naval crest for the newly commissioned USS Wichita.[7]
The digital audience embracing the flag on the primary social media tools Instagram, Twitter and Facebook continues to grow without paid promotion or purchase of followers.[1][8]
VIP Wichita, (a monthly magazine publication) includes a Wichita flag feature spread, as well as testimonials from local business leaders saying why "#ILoveWichita."[1]
Local Wichita Artists are incorporating the flag into their personal artwork, including murals that have been painted on buildings.[1][9]
Images of the Wichita flag (or flag items) have been shared from multiple states, countries, and continents.[1]
Local retail stores and organizations now carry Wichita flag merchandise ranging from socks to skateboards.[1]
Elements of the Wichita flag are now being included in numerous logos of Wichita-based businesses, events, and organizations.[1]
