Pekin Marigold Festival Medallion Hunt Sponsored by Jimmy John's ®

2008 Pepsi Marigold Medallion Hunt Clue Explanations by Gary Gillis No secret - when constructing a hunt I often look for themes or concepts upon which to develop my clues. This allows me to take a broad approach and narrow it down as the hunt progresses. It also creates opportunities for multiple interpretations, which keeps things interesting and adds to the excitement. This year's selection of the Eugene Miller Senior Citizens Center added the challenge and concern that occurs when choosing a place that has limited hiding spots and is easily accessible. I also needed to guard against the possibility that workers at, or those that frequent that spot, might have an unfair advantage. Therefore I chose to develop clues that made broad references to themes that focused on “Seniors,” "Eugene," and "Miller.” There were also references to the basic characteristics of the location and the specific spot. Note the number of ways that I focused on these key themes and h

The Pepsi Marigold Medallion has been found! It was found about 11:45am, almost immediately after the 9th clue was released on September 4th. It was found by Scott and Angela Jones of Pekin. They also found the Pepsi Marigold Medallion in 2002. This year they found it in some bushes near the Miller Senior Center. More information will be released later, including an explanation of the clues.

Will we set a record for longevity? My nerves are beginning to fray. Be gentle when beating the bushes. Too much can turn one's hair gray. Think of that last year in high school. It's a far reach, but what could be worse? Time to go where most go for the winter. So near where it's bad if you curse.

Four score and seven years ago, Now that's a really long time! Like that which was created so long ago; Such as when Mercury was on a dime. Now the lucky guy married a girl who was gorgeous; In the movie they were seeking a yank. Counting the days should have really been letters. The actor's name easily rhymes with thanks.

Sugar-coated with a lot of trivia; Am I leaving you stuck in the middle? It reminds me of life on a river. Duplicity helps when writing this riddle. A musician who served his country; A lucky guy who wrote lots of plays; A main character in a movie; Played by Oscar in the fourth of days.

A good old war movie and feeling kinda groovy; As I lead you through this Labor Day. A western state and a funny named place; The stage is set for this special play. So will this weekend bring a special delivery? Seek two things that seem out of place. You'll be relieved to know that they're obvious. If you're seeking your delineated space.

Boundaries are not always distinctive, Unlike islands in an open sea. Famous drivers or a role for a famous actor; And think of forty-one and of course, forty-three. A judge may claim his time in court, Or go out and get some fresh air; As he reflects upon his duties; And hides from his trials and cares.

Teachers don't always grade you, When it's almost too difficult to know; What a clock and new drivers have in common. You'll hear them loudly as they're starting to grow. The calendar advances rapidly, As we near end of this race; A beautiful nectar so valuable, With a speedy mate they came in second place.

If you're very observant, You'll see it once and see it twice. But which way would you be leaning, If your playmates never played nice? So the luck of the Irish be with you, Out among the open space. What is in a place or a name? Even good detectives may not find a trace.

Remember I employ a thematic approach. You may not even see the signs. Take a look at this year's festival; And closely read between the lines. I know that you can get there. But keep a careful eye. Sometimes doing nothing is doing something. Your mind sees it if you try.

That time has come upon us; The beginning of another year. It's an annual celebration, With festivities that we hold dear. So I'll indulge you in my proclivities And I'll throw in some history. I might teach you all you need to know, Or get you through some celebrity.

The Pepsi Marigold Medallion WILL be found on public property. It is not hidden on any golf course, inside the stadium area, inside Dragonland , inside any school facility, around the Sun Dial, or in close proximity to the Pekin Archery Range and the UAW Highrise . The medallion IS NOT hidden within a recessed light fixture at the Pekin Public Library or in close proximity to the Pekin Federal Prison's fenced perimeter. It WILL NOT be found within a flowerbed. And this year it WILL NOT be at or around the Pekin Train Depot. It IS NOT hidden in a location that necessitates taking extra-ordinary physical risks. Finally, be on the watch for poison ivy and poison oak, and PLEASE be respectful of others' property, as well as your fellow hunters.

The first clue in the 2008 Pepsi Marigold Medallion Hunt will be released on Monday, August 25th. Stay tuned for more information.