Starting on Veteran’s Day every year, an iconic symbol graces the mountains here in Boulder: the infamous Flagstaff Star. For such a simple string of lights, the star has a fairly interesting history.
It all started in 1947 when the Boulder Chamber of Commerce constructed the star as a Christmas decoration. In 1948 they decided to again put up a string of lights for Christmas, but this time adopted the shape of an Easter cross. For the next twenty years, the star and cross would take turns lighting the mountainside. Little did these early founders know, there would be mischief from the Boulder populace….
In the 1950s, crafty college students restrung the lights in the shape of their school letter, and in the 1960s it took a political turn when suspected communists painted the bulbs red. True to the times, in 1969 the star was once again reformed, this time in the shape of a peace sign. This was in rebellion, from a small group of Boulder residents’ who felt that the star and cross were Christian symbols, and since the star is located on city property, violated the separation of church and state. This debate moved into 1970, where it was finally decided that the star was too popular to take down, but that the cross would no longer be displayed. The 365 bulbs have been arranged in the shape of a star ever since.
Of course, the controversy doesn’t end in the 70s. In the 1980s, the star remained lit all the way into the month of February, recognizing Americans who were being held as hostages in Iran. In the same decade, it was vandalized by environmentalists claiming too much electricity was being wasted and that the light disrupted local wildlife. Now, more than 75 years since the bulbs were first glimpsed, the star has considered the environmental concerns, modernizing in several ways. With LED bulbs and wind-powered electricity, the star is more environmentally friendly now than ever before.
The star has also recently gained its own revenue stream to help with maintenance and repair costs. Boulder Star Wine (sold by Boulder-based Bookcliff Vineyards) and Flagstaff greeting cards are created annually and sold seasonally every year, with proceeds going toward the star.
This year's Star Card retailers include:
Lucky's North - 3960 Broadway #104, Boulder
McGuckin Hardware - 2525 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder
Art Source International - 1237 Pearl St, Boulder
Chautauqua General Store - 100 Clematis Dr, Boulder
Leanin' Tree Gift Shop - 6055 Longbow Dr, Boulder
This year, Bookcliff Vineyards has bottled a special blend that features the 2021 Boulder Star artwork.
Star Wine will be available at the following vendors:
Bookcliff Vineyards Tasting Room – North Boulder
B-Town Wine and Spirits
Boulder Wine and Spirits
Harvest Wine and Spirits
Hazel's Beverage World
PettyJohn's Liquor and Wine
Superior Liquor
If you’re in the Boulder area in the evenings, take a moment to look toward Flagstaff Mountain – the star will only be up until the beginning of January!
Important Reminder
The City of Boulder and the Boulder Chamber remind everyone to please view the Boulder Star from afar. No designated trail currently leads to the Boulder Star.
The star is located on steep terrain that has sustained significant plant and erosion damage, leading to numerous wildlife habitat disturbances. City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) invites community members to see the star from open space locations across the area:
City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) welcomes community members to view the star from open space locations, including:
The Flagstaff/Boulder Star truly is a unique and stunning sight to behold during the winter evenings. If you get a chance, take a look at it.
We at WK Real Estate want to wish you the happiest of times during this season. If there is anything we can help you with, please don't hesitate to contact us.