Photo contributed by Marcia Akes Flamingos grace the lawn of Milton-Freewater City Hall of the Weston-McEwen High School class of 2019.

Milton-Freewater City Hall employees were greeted by 48 bright pink flamingos earlier this week. The plastic flock of birds was scattered throughout the lawn, in flower beds, peeking over the top of the Oregon Trail sign and even in a tree.

“You’ve Been Flocked by the TigerScot Senior Class,” stated several signs.

Since Oct. 2, the Weston-McEwen High School class of 2019 has been using the flamingos as a fundraiser for their senior trip and drug- and alcohol-free graduation party. “Flock-A-Friend” will continue through Oct. 31.

People can have a dozen flamingos placed on the lawn of a friend or business for a $20 donation. To get the birds to fly the coop, the “victim” can make a $25 donation to have them removed or $20 to move them to someone else’s yard.

Initially, the birds landed in two lawns in Athena and two in Weston. However, the birds have since migrated to Pendleton, Adams, Tollgate, Helix, and now Milton-Freewater, said Marcia Akes. One man left the top down on his convertible and ended up with a flamingo seat-belted in the driver’s seat, she said.

Milton-Freewater city manager Linda Hall said the town has never been invaded in this fashion before. They were so popular, Hall said, that many of the employees wanted to keep them.

Jordyn Lambert, senior class president, said everyone seems to be enjoying it and playing along with the fun. Classmates, she said, are thrilled with all the support flying in from the local communities.

In addition to Lambert, other seniors tending to the flock of flamingos include Jared Stewart, Givon Campbell, Tesla Crown, Noah Kelly, Elijah Kelly, Will Muilenburg, Ashley Swafford, Lia Hungerford, Keira Verdin, Erykah Barahona, Patton Wright, Stephen Reitz, Kamryn Dalrymple and Khai Robertson.

“It’s a great fundraiser for our senior class,” Lambert said, “so be ready; you could be flocked next.”

To send a clock of flamingos to a friend or business, contact Suzie Reitz at 541-566-9010 or suzreitz@yahoo.com.