FAQ
Registration / Arrival and Check-In / What to Bring / On the Trail
REGISTRATION
Do I need to register in advance?
Yes—all participants must register by August 31st to secure a flag kit and a position in the chain.
Can I register more than one person?
Yes. Groups of up to 10 individuals may be registered together. (Note that if your group wants to stand next to each other on the trail your flag kits will need to picked up at the same time at event check-in.
Can local businesses or organizations participate as groups?
Absolutely! We love having organizations participate together. If your group is larger than 10, please contact us events@activeimpact.world to discuss arrangements.
Is there a minimum age to participate?
Participants must be at least 10 years old and able to stand in their position for 15 minutes while holding both ends of a flag. Children under 10 and anyone who prefers not to stand in the chain are welcome to watch along the trail and may wave a U.S. flag 8” x 12” or smaller.
Please note: Children and youth under 14 must be accompanied by an adult, whether participating in the chain or watching along the trail.
Do children need their own registration?
Anyone age 10 or older who wants to hold a flag in the chain must be registered. Children who attend but are not holding a flag in the chain do not need to register.
Can my family stand together in the chain?
Yes! Families or groups who want to stand together will need to pick up their flag kits at the same time so they’re assigned to sequential positions along the trail.
What if I register but can no longer attend?
We understand that plans change! You may cancel your registration for a full refund through August 31st via the Stand for Freedom app or by emailing us at events@activeimpact.world. Refunds are not available after August 31st.
Can I transfer my registration to someone else?
Registrations are not transferable, as terms of participation must be agreed to at the time of purchase and that agreement is not transferable.
What if I don’t receive my pre-event email with instructions?
If you haven’t received an email from us by September 8th, please contact our office at events@activeimpact.world or (601) 955-9195.
Is there a way to participate without being in the flag chain?
Absolutely! Anyone is welcome to watch along either side of the trail to enjoy the spirit of the event. We just ask that spectators stay off the trail itself so the chain remains visible.
ARRIVAL AND CHECK-IN
What can I expect on the day of the event?
Here’s the day-of schedule:
8:00 AM: Check-in stations open. Pick up your flag kit anytime between 8:00–9:30 AM.
9:30-10:00 AM: Participants gather at the station for a brief welcome ceremony and instructions at your check-in station.
10:00 AM: Participants move onto the trail and walk to their assigned positions. (Participants will not be able to check in after 10:00.) Spectators find their place along the trail.
10:00–10:30 AM: Volunteers help arrange everyone in their exact positions.
10:30 AM: The signal is given—stand and raise your flags!
10:45 AM: Celebrate!
What do I do while waiting for the flag chain to begin?
Check-in stations will have a festive atmosphere—think of it as a community gathering while you wait for the big moment. Feel free to bring a camp chair for your comfort. If you’d like, one member of your registered group can pick up everyone’s flag kits when check-in opens at 8:00 AM, and the rest of your group can arrive closer to 9:30 AM.
How will I know which check-in station I’m assigned to?
You’ll receive an email at least one week before the event with complete instructions, including your assigned check-in station and designated parking area.
Where can I park?
There is no reserved parking for the event, similar to parking at a parade. You may want to check the area of your assigned station in advance to locate nearby parking options. We expect up to 2,000 people per check-in station, so we encourage you to carpool or arrange a drop-off if possible.
Tip: If you plan to arrive toward the end of the check-in period, allow extra time for parking. No check-in will be available after 10:00 AM.
How early should I arrive?
Check-in opens at 8:00 AM. We recommend arriving at least 10–15 minutes before you plan to check in to allow time to park and walk to the check-in area.
How will I know exactly where to stand?
You’ll receive a numbered bib at check-in—similar to what marathon runners wear—that indicates your position in the chain sequence for your check-in station. Volunteers will be on hand to guide you to your exact spot when participants move onto the trail at 10:00 AM.
What if I arrive late?
Check-in will not be available after 10:00 AM when participants move into position. If you arrive late, you’re still welcome to join as a spectator along the trail and enjoy the spirit of the event.
What if it rains?
Stand for Freedom moves ahead, rain or shine!
WHAT TO BRING (AND NOT BRING)
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and footwear suitable for walking and standing outdoors. Patriotic colors (red, white, and blue) are encouraged but not required. Please keep in mind:
Stand for Freedom is a family-friendly event. Please avoid clothing or accessories with profanity, vulgar language, or imagery that isn’t appropriate for all ages.
Stand for Freedom is a nonpartisan event. We ask that participants help preserve the spirit of unity by avoiding partisan, campaign-related, or divisive messaging on clothing, signs, or accessories.
What should I bring?
We recommend bringing: • Sunscreen • A water bottle • A camp chair (if you aren’t comfortable standing while waiting in the staging area or on the trail.)
What should I NOT bring?
To keep the view clear for everyone on the ground and for the drones capturing the flag chain from above, please do not bring canopies, EZ-Ups, balloons, banners, signage, or anything else that could obstruct the view from the ground or above.
Please also note: Only the official U.S. flags that are part of the flag chain and U.S. flags 8” x 12” or smaller held by spectators are permitted during the even
Can I bring extra flags for family members who aren’t holding an official event flag?
Yes—U.S. flags 8” x 12” or smaller are welcome. Since this event is held specifically to honor the U.S. flag, we ask that no state or other flags be displayed during the event. You may also want to consider our $5 “supporting cast” option at registration for non-flag bearers, which includes a 8” x 12” flag, Stand for Freedom wristband commemorative sticker.
Can I bring a stroller or wagon?
Yes—strollers and wagons are welcome along the side of the trail.
Are pets allowed?
The Murdock and Provo River Trails are public trails where pets are permitted. That said, we’d gently encourage you to consider whether a large, busy event is the most comfortable setting for your pet. Participants will need both hands free to hold their flags and must remain in their positions during the chain display, which may make managing a pet difficult. If you do bring a pet, please ensure they are leashed and under control at all times.
Will food and beverages be available?
Individual cities are sponsoring the check-in stations and may choose to provide food trucks at their discretion. Water fountains are available at points along the trail, but we recommend bringing a water bottle to stay hydrated while in position.
Will
Yes—restrooms are located along the Murdock and Provo River Trails. Keep in mind that once you’ve been moved into your position on the trail, you won’t be able to leave it, so please plan accordingly.
ON THE TRAIL
How much walking and standing is involved?
You will be standing in the check-in area from the time you check-in until we move to the trail at 10:00. The furthest position on the trail is 1.25 miles from the assigned check-in station. After moving into position, you will stand until the flag chain display begins at 10:30 and concludes at 10:45. (You are welcome to bring a camp chair with you if you would be more comfortable while waiting in the check-in area, but will need to stand once we move onto the trail.)
Is the trail paved and suitable for all fitness levels and mobility needs?
Absolutely! The trail is paved and mostly level throughout, making it accessible for a wide range of fitness levels and mobility needs.
Participants who would like to request a wheelchair (or other mobility device) accessible position on the trail are encouraged to note let us know in advance at events@activeimpact.world , and we will do our best to assign them to a level, easy-access area near a check-in station. A limited number of positions nearest to each check-in station will be reserved for participants with mobility needs and their companions on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that we cannot guarantee specific placement, but our volunteers will do everything they can on the day of the event to help ensure every participant is comfortable and well-positioned.
What if there are gaps in the chain?
Don’t worry—volunteers will be on hand to help fill any gaps and adjust spacing as needed before the signal is given. That’s what the 30-minute positioning window is for!
Will restrooms be available?
Yes, but they are spaced about every three miles (between the seven major trailheads). NOTE: The trail heads are NOT the same as our event staging stations. Keep in mind that once you’ve been moved into your position on the trail, you won’t be able to leave it, so please plan accordingly.