First Paint The Town Red, White, & Blue project planned

Rob Lewis and his business partner, Bruce Leibig Jr., owners of New Holland Heating & Air Conditioning, have a vision. The two would like to see American flags bordering yards along Main Street from beyond Shirk Road at the west end of town to the Blue Ball traffic light along Route 322 in celebration of the Fourth of July holiday, an initiative they call Paint The Town Red, White, & Blue.

"The idea was to be able to drive through town and see a tunnel of red, white, and blue as you come down Main Street (on the Fourth of July)," said Lewis.

To make that vision a reality, Lewis and Leibig will be going door to door along that corridor during the last days of June and early days of July, distributing about 2,400 flags in reusable grocery bags.

Lewis noted that Main Street residents who receive the flags may place them along their sidewalks, driveways, or flower beds prior to Thursday, July 4, if they so please.

"(Please place them) toward the roadway, so people driving can see them (if possible)," stated Leibig.

Permission for the effort was sought from the New Holland Borough, and Lewis and Leibig also contacted the New Holland Business Association (NHBA). "We have permission to put flags in the NHBA planters," said Lewis.

Lewis spoke about the project with Mitch Dissinger, vice president and co-founder of the New Holland Area Historical Society. Dissinger recalled that at one time the sidewalks in New Holland had holders at specific intervals for flags to be displayed annually. "That's (the feel) we're going for, but we need community participation," said Lewis.

Leibig said that he hopes area residents will participate because New Holland is a small town with a strong "community feel." He pointed to events such as the New Holland Fair as evidence of this sense of togetherness.

Readers who have questions about Paint The Town Red, White, & Blue, may call 717-419-4139 or email bruce@newhollandhvac.com.