By Emily Loughridge
Contributing Writer
The Yukon 66 Main Street Association (Y66MSA) recently opened the order form for their Yukon Salutes’ program.
The program allows friends and family to proudly honor a veteran or first responder through custom banners, which will hang from Main Street’s street poles from Oct. 14 through Nov. 11.
Yukon Salutes is entering its fourth year, and will host its official open Saturday, Oct. 14, at 10 a.m. at the Yukon Veterans Museum, 1010 W Main. The open will include a ceremony and ribbon cutting.
In years past, the museum has opened its doors to allow guests to tour their numerous displays and learn more about history.
The program has two goals, according to Yukon Main Street Director Vicki Davis.
The first is to honor Yukon’s “hometown heroes” and the second to contribute to the town’s beautification efforts by adding connectivity to the Main Street district.
Y66MSA has seen a steady increase in participation since 2020, which was the first year of the Yukon Salutes’ program.
In 2020, Main Street was decorated with 40 banners, 2021 saw 45 banners, and last year saw 50 banners.
Davis said she anticipates more than 50 banners this year. With its continued success, yard signs were added to this year’s order form for $30 each.
The yard signs are 24 inches tall and 12 inches wide and allow individuals to enjoy a personal display. For those who have already purchased a banner in years past, the yard signs will be made from existing proofs and will include the stakes.
Individuals with existing banners can pay a $50 re-hanging fee, as long as the banner is in good condition.
The Y66MSA recommends that banners be replaced every two to three years, and state that they retain the right to deny re-hanging requests if the banner is in poor condition.
For new participants, a new banner sponsorship is $150 each. Sponsors may choose to feature an honoree or they can anonymously sponsor a recipient.
Orders will be accepted through Aug. 1 or as space is available. For more information: https://www.yukon66mainstreet.com/yukon-salutes/
