The 8 Best Minnesota Flag Contenders (That Didn't Make The Finals)

That's a lot of loons.

In case you missed it, Minnesota is in search of a new state flag and yes, they did take public submissions.

While the finalists are perfectly nice, it’s the ones that didn’t make the cut that I want to recognize for their brilliance. Starting off strong with:

1. Laser-Eyed Loon Zapping a Fish

What does it all mean? Is this a visual representation of Minnesotans’ ability to take on any challenge, no matter how fishy? A suggestion that there’s a vast army of loons lying in wait, ready to zap all the fish in the head, and then come for the humans? Should we be counting our days?

What I’m saying is, it’s a good conversation starter.

2. Land of 10,000 Hot Dishes

This would be more accurate for my hometown, anyway. When I say I’m from Minnesota, people often say “Oh yeah, 10,000 lakes, right?” Well, NOT WHERE I’M FROM. We don’t have a lake. Sure, a river, but a river isn’t a lake, is it? Exactly. But do we have 10,000 hot dishes? Absolutely.

3. Bobbing for Bobbers

This one brings up some questions for me. What is Minnesota trying to catch? Why’s the water so dark? Is this regular fishing or ice fishing? We’ll never know.

4. Earmuffs & That’s It

The ears get cold in Minnesota. They must be covered. No further context required.

5. The Fish Have Seen Things They Cannot Unsee

I find this one rather haunting. What have the fish stumbled upon? Have I done something that the fish are shocked by? I’ve never seen a fish gasp before, but the one on the right has obviously just done so. Is it my hair? Do they not like what I did with it today? This design sticks with you, and I feel judged by it. So for me, this fits perfectly.

6. Good Boy

Someone just submitted a photo of their dog which is great but, unfortunately, it’s not oriented the right way to be a flag, so I can’t support it. The dog deserves a treat, though.

7. Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds 2: Just One Bird This Time

Creepy. Threatening. I like it.

8. Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds 3: This One Bird Is Leaving

It didn’t like what it saw, and now it’s excusing itself. But you’ll notice it’s not putting up a big fuss (though one could argue it’s doing a light scream, that’s up to interpretation which is how you know it’s art). It feels passive-aggressive and very Minnesotan. This would have gotten my vote.

Which flag submission would you vote for?
You can see the finalists here.