A Princeton initiative to grow and reward tourism took an unexpected turn this week, when a banner representing the Russian flag was hoisted in the town含羞草研究社檚 core.

Municipal hall received numerous calls from residents throughout the day, Thursday, May 2, inquiring about the move,.

含羞草研究社淭his is not a political statement,含羞草研究社� CAO Lyle Thomas told the Spotlight.

含羞草研究社淚t含羞草研究社檚 our new marketing campaign, something we含羞草研究社檝e been working on for the last year or so.含羞草研究社�

Princeton Welcomes the World is the moniker for the new branding program, which Thomas said grew from the realization that people from around the globe have visited the community over the past four years.

If they含羞草研究社檝e dropped by the visitor centre on Bridge Street, and signed the guest book indicating their home country, there will be a banner on one of the main streets含羞草研究社� new lamp posts, representing that nation.

含羞草研究社淲e含羞草研究社檝e had multiple people visit Princeton from Russia,含羞草研究社� said Thomas.

He admitted no one anticipated a backlash when one of the first banners raised was Russian.

含羞草研究社淎 number of people have voiced concern, but I would also temper that with the fact that a number of people have said they want to support the Russian flag.

Approximately 40 countries will be recognized when all the banners are in place, and they will remain over the summer, Thomas added.

He said each banner costs approximately $175 to produce and is covered by grant funding.

含羞草研究社淭his is all part of our vision to attract people to our downtown core and make our town attractive.含羞草研究社�