Walks aims to raise $9K for American flag mural
The event begins at noon Sunday at LaBella Pizza, where the art is to be created.
An effort to raise up to $9,000 for an American flag mural on the South Manheim Boulevard side of LaBella Pizza Bistro will include an awareness walk on Sunday.
The event is scheduled for noon, starting in front of the restaurant’s entrance at 194 Main St.
“It’s an American flag flying, blowing,” restaurant owner Maria LaBella said of the planned mural, which will be on a wall currently marred by graffiti. “The artist is very mindful of the fact that we live in a community that’s countrified, and so she’s dressing the flag a little bit to match it with the community that we live in, so it’s not ... right in your face.”
Efforts to raise money for the mural include a GoFundMe page that began by seeking $5,000, but the cost of the project has exceeded original estimates.
LaBella said several groups plan to participate at different stages of Sunday’s two-hour walk.
Event co-organizer Joe Garcia said small flags will be distributed to participants and that that planners aim to steer clear of promoting people who are running for office next month.
“This is not a political event,” he said. “This is not to support or endorse or put down any candidate, any political party, none
“We’re asking that people not bring candidate signs. This is purely about people who want to support the flag and want to say that.” — Event co-organizer Joe Garcia
of that. We’re asking that people not bring candidate signs. This is purely about people who want to support the flag and want to say that.”
The planned walk is not without detractors. A post on the Facebook page of the group Hudson Valley Antifacist Network was particularly critical.
“On October 21st, a loose affiliation of the Hudson Valley’s local far right will be holding an ‘American flag appreciation march’ through the small village of New Paltz, following the typical model of intimidating centers of progressive & other militant left causes,” the post said. “We won’t allow patriot prayer wannabes to start s—t in the New Paltz we all know & love. Given ... the rise in fascist propaganda to support America’s legacy of imperialist colonialism, we must make it loud & clear that fascists & other nationalists are not welcome in New Paltz!”