For Todd Hansen, General Manager at Sun Outdoor, the 4th of July is more than just a holiday—it’s a full-blown celebration of family, friends, fun, and patriotism. This year, Hansen’s yard in Bakersfield, California will feature a spectacular new attraction: a super-sized American flag slip and slide created by Lindmark.
Hansen’s journey to creating this colossal slip-and-slide started five years ago when his son joined the Marines. To mark his son’s homecoming from boot camp, Hansen wanted to throw a memorable 4th of July party.
“We have a pretty good-sized following in Bakersfield,” Hansen shares. “A good group of athletes and people that follow our kids and vice versa. We decided to get a slip and slide, and that’s how the tradition started.”
The first slip and slide, made by Circle Graphics, was a hit, but over the years, it saw a lot of action and eventually needed replacing. Enter Lindmark.
The new slip and slide is a sight to behold—an enormous 24×75-foot American flag sprawled across Hansen’s front yard.
“We opened it up and made sure all the stripes were properly done,” Hansen said. “It’s a blast. You just fly on this thing.”
Every 4th of July, Hansen’s house becomes the epicenter of celebration for around 120 friends and family members.
“We start at 8am on the 4th and then we have fireworks at the end of the day in the front yard,” Hansen said. They spend the day barbecuing, playing drinking games, and using the slip ‘n slide. After they are done with the slip n’ slide they play mud volleyball.
“It’s really wet where the volleyball court is, so we have four hours of mud volleyball,” Hansen said. “It’s become a tradition.”
The slip and slide isn’t just for the 4th of July. Hansen’s giant flag slide is borrowed for various events throughout the year, from youth water days to golf club member gatherings.
“I had a bigger one made because they like bigger,” Hansen said. “It’s the largest piece they can put together without a seam.”
As an industry veteran with 40 years of experience in the outdoor advertising business, Hansen knows the value of quality, and is excited to debut his new vinyl from Lindmark.