Team Flags Return for Seek the Peak’s 25th Anniversary

By MWOBS Staff

Mount Washington Observatory is looking forward to continuing a much-loved tradition for Seek the Peak’s 25th Anniversary: Team flags. In inviting teams and individuals to create #SeekthePeak flags, we are celebrating the creativity of our participating hikers, helping spread the word on the trails, and honoring the Virtual Year of 2020, when hikers’ flags were raised on the summit at sunrise while most of us were homebound. This initiative, brought forth by former MWOBS Marketing & Communications Director Krissy Fraser, marked a symbolic community effort and has been present in years following the pandemic: The Observatory has saved all of the flags and has displayed them at the Après Hike Expos since. A flag represents a hiker’s courage, skill, and commitment to our outdoor community. It also holds distinctive meaning for the “why” behind one’s hike, or perhaps a “who” whose legacy is being commemorated. 

Everyone participating in this year’s Seek the Peak, regardless if you are hiking or not, is invited to make a flag. Here’s how: Use any kind of fabric and materials of your choosing with 8 ½ x 11 dimensions. Linen or felt sheets found at craft stores work well, as well as repurposed household fabrics like cut-t-shirts or old sheets. If you’re using very thin material, we recommend reinforcing by affixing 2 sheets back-to-back, either gluing or pinning them together. Then, bedazzle! Let your team spirit shine using markers, paint, pom-poms, pen, or event printouts— just be forewarned that these flags will be out in the elements. When you’re happy with your creation, bring your flag along on your Seek the Peak hike(s), and snap a photo of your flag on the trail or summit, tagging us on social media. Then, be sure to bring your flag to the Expo to be a part of the community flag display. We’ll also keep it in the official Seek the Peak flag collection to be displayed at future gatherings! If you have any questions about making a Seek the Peak flag or would like support, please email us at events@mountwashington.org. 

Flags will be displayed at the Après Hike Expo.

Seek the Peak is Mount Washington Observatory’s largest fundraiser, directly supporting our forecasting, research, and educational programs. Whether you’re summiting Mount Washington, walking a local nature path, or conquering a personal milestone, your adventure makes a difference. Every step you take helps us advance weather science and provide critical insights into extreme conditions. Sign up today at seekthepeak.org, and celebrate with us on July 19 at Great Glen Trails.