POLAND, Ohio – As America’s semiquincentennial approaches, plans are being made across the Mahoning Valley for events and celebrations.
For many patriotic Americans, sprucing up their American flag display may be first on the list ahead of the family gatherings, picnics, parades and community events that will celebrate the country’s 250th birthday.
Nick Peluso, owner of Western Reserve Flag & Sports, said this is likely his busiest spring since buying the business in 2015.
“Whether it’s America 250 or not, I don’t know, but it’s just been a very busy spring so far,” he said.
America 250 will celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence with special events planned from Memorial Day through the end of 2026.
Western Reserve Flag & Sports, 493 E. Western Reserve Road, sells not only American flags and special America 250 flags but also numerous other flags and sports banners. The company also creates custom flags for businesses, government entities and schools.
Additionally, the company sells, repairs and installs flagpoles, both commercial and residential. March usually marks the beginning of the busy season for the business, which was started more than 40 years ago.
“As soon as the weather starts breaking, there’s people that have been thinking about putting a flagpole in for about 10 years, and all of a sudden, they decided to go ahead and put that pole in,” Peluso said. “Or they moved to a new home and want to put a flagpole in. … A lot of businesses want commercial poles in front of their offices or facilities.”
Barring storm damage, Peluso said a pole is a long-term investment that could last for 50 years. Most only need replaceable items from time to time, such as ropes and top pulleys. He carries all those items.
Peluso said that as Memorial Day and the Fourth of July approach, many people realize their flags are worn or their pulley ropes have aged. Customers can buy replacements at the shop, and Peluso’s bucket trucks – reaching up to 75 feet – handle repairs.
Peluso is already booking well into May for those who want a residential or commercial pole this spring or summer. The company will be installing a new 45-foot flagpole and moving another at East Palestine’s High School and football field.
In the past few years, the company installed new poles at TP Tools in Canfield, Brookfield High School’s football stadium and the Avalon Golf & Country Club.
The business is also an official Dominator basketball hoops dealer, selling aluminum adjustable hoops for customers who want to add basketball to their outdoor activities.
Customers can install the in-ground basketball hoops themselves or leave it to the professionals at Western Reserve Flag & Sports.
The business is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.
Pictured at top: Nick Peluso, owner of Western Reserve Flag & Sports, holds an America 250 flag at his shop.