It’s not uncommon to see a bundle of birds on your front lawn, especially if there is a bird feeder nearby. Chickadees, blue jays, mourning doves, finches, black birds and pigeons are all potential fowls to find on your lawn. Even a gaggle of Canada geese is not totally out of the realm of possibilities.
But pink flamingos?
It’s true. More and more residents have spotted this flock of plastic lawn ornaments peppering their front lawn in recent months. It’s not part of an elaborate practical joke, which I admit would be kind of funny on its own.
Instead, it is a fundraiser for the Houlton High School Class of 2012 as a way to earn money for their class trip.
“Flamingos have historically represented wealth, journeys, and tackiness,” said Tara Beals, a member of the senior class. “The senior class hopes these pink, plastic birds will attract attention and raise money towards our class trip.”
“If you awake one morning to a flock of flamingos resting on your lawn, don’t despair, a friend has paid to place these pink darlings there,” added fellow senior Brandon Clark. “One of the flamingos will have a note attached to it. This note explains that the flock will remain there until evening when they’ll migrate elsewhere. However, you may send them to a specific friend’s lawn for a mere $20 donation. Of course, the removal of the pink flamingos will be done at no additional charge.”
Residents may also take out “flocking insurance” for $10 for those that would like to have a “no fly zone” over their lawn.
The students putting out the flamingos are pretty stealthy about it. My house was flocked earlier this fall. I’m not sure if the person’s name responsible for the flocking was supposed to be included, but it was. I have my aunt Marie to thank for it.
The flamingos were on our lawn early in the morning one Saturday when I opened up the blinds. Seeing as how I had been awake late that night watching a movie and not heard a thing out front, I can only guess that the “flockers” arrived pretty early to dot our lawn with the funny fowls. The children got quite a kick out of seeing a dozen pink birds in the front yard and couldn’t resist posing for pictures next to them.
“Have you been flocked yet?” is a popular topic in the newsroom, and likely many homes. Chances are, if you haven’t been among the “fortunate” ones to get flocked, just wait. Your turn will come.
To date, the senior class has raised just over $2,400. The class intends to continue the fundraising event until the ground is too frozen to place the flamingos. After that, they might just keep going, sticking them into snow banks.
Kudos to the Houlton High School Class of 2012 for coming up with an innovative and interactive fundraiser. To learn how to hire the flock of flamingos, call the high school at 532-6551.
Joseph Cyr is a staff writer for the Houlton Pioneer Times. He can be reached at pioneertimes@nepublish.com or 532-2281.
