ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — On Monday, City of Rochester officials introduced plans to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the official city mark in 2026, including a proposal to change the city’s official flag.
During Monday’s press conference, it was announced that commemorative activities will include a documentary screening about the symbol’s history and value to the community, a themed capital art structure on the Sister Cities Bridge, a festival highlighting artists who include the design in their work, and more.
The current city flag, adopted in 1934, is a blue, yellow, and white banner featuring the family coat of arms of Nathaniel Rochester, and the city’s name in blue below.
The change proposes a new flag that features a single image of a white five-pointed flower against a blue background, the logo officially trademarked and approved by the City Council in 1976. The design was created in 1975 by graphic designer Lee Green in recognition of the iconic water wheel and prevalence of five-petaled lilacs in Rochester.
“We are the only municipality with such an iconic and beloved trademark, and we are excited to celebrate its longevity and continued popularity,” Mayor Malik Evans said during Monday’s announcement. “As for the flag, few people are even aware that the official flag does not already bear the city mark.”…