JUNE 15, 2026 — The Board of County Commissioners for Gilpin County, Colorado, postponed adopting the county’s first official flag on June 9, after determining that the leading public submission required further refinement, according to the Mountain Ear.
Organized to commemorate the upcoming 150th anniversary of Colorado statehood and the United States semiquincentennial, the design competition yielded 12 entries, which were narrowed to four finalists through an advisory social media vote that concluded on May 31.
While the front-running design, titled “Discover Gilpin County,” secured 179 of the 229 votes cast by the public, local officials expressed skepticism regarding its adherence to optimal design standards.
Commissioner Sandy Hollingsworth noted that the submission “does not excite me,” describing it as overly conventional and critical of its text-heavy composition.
Although the county’s initial contest guidelines explicitly advised participants to avoid lettering and complex seals in favour of simplicity, the public’s preferred design relied heavily on text.
The submission features a mountain roadway inspired by Colorado State Highway 119 and Mount Blue Sky, using green to represent summer forests, gold for autumn aspen trees, and blue for the Braecher Ranch Reservoir, says the County website.
Rather than ratifying the public choice, commissioners reviewed all 12 original entries and redirected their attention toward an alternative concept featuring a moose, a lantern, and mining equipment.
The local government has chosen to extend the timeline indefinitely to modify the alternative concept, with plans to request that artists incorporate distinct regional landmarks like James Peak to replace generic mountain imagery.
Community Engagement Officer Melanie Bleyler stated that the county had initially aimed to debut the emblem at the upcoming Gilpin County Fair.
However, the board exercised its right under the official contest terms to decline or modify submissions, electing to delay the unveiling to ensure the final product meets expectations.
The winning designer will receive formal recognition and a commemorative certificate, though the county specified from the outset that no financial compensation would be awarded.
Image: Gilpin County
