Flag Photo Contest Entries Up 44% in 2019

Enthusiasm for the Wichita flag continues to surge at full throttle. The annual #WichitaFlagSummerTravelContest had 359 entries this year, up 44% from 250 entries in 2018.

And where did your city flag travel during the summer months? You’ll find a full-page full-color Chamber Update in today’s Wichita Eagle with photos from our 2019 contest winners who documented their global adventures and staycations. Contest winners snapped images from as far away as South Africa and as close to home as Botanica, The Wichita Gardens.

We’ve compiled answers to some of your frequently asked questions about the contest.

Q. Are Kansans the only ones who enter the contest?
A. Nope! Residents of 10 states outside of Kansas and a former Kansas resident who now lives in Spain entered their photos in 2019. Kansans from 8 cities outside of the Wichita city limits also joined in the fun.

Q. Do the same people enter every year?
A. 73% of the individuals who entered were first-time contest participants and 27% have sent in photos in previous years.

Q. How many years has the contest taken place?
A. The contest was first held in the summer of 2016 when 52 photos were posted using the hashtag. From 2016-2019, a total of 834 images have been posted on social media with the hashtag.

Q. Where can all the entries be viewed?
A. Check the #WichitaFlagSummerTravel hashtag on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. You’ll be amazed and amused by the creativity of your fellow flag enthusiasts who have posted images with flag-themed shirts, luggage tags, stickers, painted blocks, murals, mini flags, hats, pins, yard flags, headbands and even full-sized flags.

Q. What do the winners receive?
A. Our eternal thanks for spreading the good word about Wichita. These fabulous ambassadors also receive a flag-themed prize generously donated by Logo Depot.

Q. Will the contest be held again in 2020?
A. That seems like a great plan since there’s even more to celebrate in 2020 with Wichita turning 150 years old.

Our thanks to everyone who entered the contest, shared the images and liked the posts on social media. Your enthusiasm is contagious and you are all important ambassadors for our community. We love the way this contest keeps Wichitans around the world connected to each other and to our community. Thank for being #wichitawesome.