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

When you've been doing something for twenty-five years, you run the risk of becoming stale. Your actions can become habitual. Worse, you become predictable. As Cluemeister it was time to entertain some changes while staying true to the basic design of the hunt that has been part of its long-term popularity. Over time I had begun to lessen my use of outside resources like the phone book or a local map. They had lost some of their relevance. Plus the speed and resources of advancing technology put much greater information in the hands of hunters much quicker. By adding the ubiquitous telephone keypad and song titles as new references, I hoped to remind hunters that the hunt is as much a mental exercise as it is a physical one. Speed of technology should be a tool, not the sole source of possible outcome. Finally, I know that many people work the hunt from afar. A brainteaser would give them an opportunity to contribute as much as family or a friend could back home. With t...

Clue explanations will be forthcoming. However work and additional festival responsibilities may delay them for a few days or more. For those who can't wait that long, let me briefly explain two of the different references that hunters may be curious about.  The usage of numbers refer to the corresponding letters on a telephone keypad. In clue # 5, "seven, six and five" on your keypad each end with the letters, S, O, L, the first three letters for Soldwedel. To give the hunt a boost I gave that reference better definition and more information in Clue #8. On Saturday, Clue #6 referred to music from "The Music Man". Two of the songs from that list were "Goodnight Ladies" and "Sadder-But-Wiser Girl". They were both referring to the former Girl Scout Camp and other of activities that are conducted there. While these references were a new approach, my goal was to spice up the hunt with some "homework".   I especially wanted t...

Congratulations to Jon Flynn who found the Pepsi Marigold Medallion in the woods just west of the Soldwedel Program Center shortly after Clue #8 was released.

Enjoy open skies then a short trip into the shade. Program yourself to stay on higher ground. Avoid all of life's many slippery slopes. Near the edge is where your treasure abounds. From the beginning all numbers equaled letters. It's touchy but the mindful fun now begins. The last three letters and the first follow the number progression. Nine letters and then you can phone it in.

Clue #8 will be released at noon today.  If the Pepsi Marigold Medallion is not found by noon on Thursday, Clue #9 will contain a third verse. If we continue into #10, it will include a third AND fourth verse with hourly clue releases commencing at 1 pm on Friday.

The call never came, the clues all remain. Medallion 2.0 takes you back to normal. Think of five to keep efforts alive. My pedagogic nature makes things more formal. More numbers now to heat things up. Look at 3,9,3 for an application. Add in a couple more three's and a five. Look closely at the progression without reservation.

The original Medallion is now officially null and void.  The new Medallion has a different look from the original and is indicated as the replacement to the finder.  The description of "Medallion 2.0" will only be known to its finder.  A new password and other verification means are included.  Watch for clue #7 to be released at noon.

While conducting a routine check on late Sunday morning, it was discovered the Pepsi Medallion was not in its original hiding place.  However, no one has called to claim their prize.  The finder has until 11am on Tuesday to claim their prize by following the instructions with the medallion.  If they fail to do so, the original medallion will be considered invalid, and a new medallion will be put in the original hiding place.  The hunt will then resume with clue #7 at noon on Tuesday.  All clues released so far will still apply and the hunt will be back on!

While it's raining, look up all songs from "The Music Man". There's a reference there that provides some substance. You will give yourself a work-out, Looking around for hints of circumference. They say there's strength in numbers. As I send you all over the place. Open minds accept all kinds of changes, But sometimes you have to stay in your space.

It's been reported that people have been congregating within the Pekin Park Sports Complex at 5th and Koch Street (which is not yet open) and around the Avanti's Dome (which is not public property).  In both cases, hunters are wasting their time. Gary Gillis- Cluemeister

Winning medals at the Olympics; Standing tall to receive the vaunted prize. Finishing seven, six or five is still an honor. That signals greatness, you could easily surmise. Remember what I told you earlier. It's not as spoon-fed as you'd like it to be. Partners help provide good direction. It's not beneath them to often disagree.

Watch for clue #5 to be posted today at noon.  If needed, clue #6 will be posted at 6:00am on Saturday morning.  Clue #7 will not be posted until noon on Tuesday.

Detectives running rings around each other, Often leave the searcher confused. It's hard but you really can't knock it. There's a helpful distinction right here in this ruse. But no matter how you slice it, A story can have many sides. Something is missing and something was added. Select carefully, for it's required that we abide.

It has come to our attention that a Pekin business has chosen to package and hide medallions of their own design across town that congratulate the finder and offer a discount for their services. This IS NOT the official medallion nor is it authorized or a sanctioned part of the Pepsi Marigold Medallion hunt! We hope this business's actions don't discourage hunters or lessen their enthusiasm for this trusted event.

So now we'll get down to what puzzles. Use of counting and numbers I'll enjoy. The studious and patient could find it. It's not clear and will surely annoy. Like a researcher playing all the angles, Or differences that work but make you question the sense, It's really a thing of beauty, But don't regret this one small offense.

As some things are fairly obvious, There are others in need of support. Though it's important how you bring it all together. What you observe should be in your report. Do you attempt to discern a pattern? Or are you seeking a break with my past? I'll share specific sources for study. Like this effort, it's not built to last.

Twenty five years of veracious writing, Without Pepsi it wouldn't be the same. They've helped us build the excitement. Yet added mystery as part of the game.   I normally employ some misdirection, As you travel betwixt and between, It might help you wind this up early, As you clarify my hints to the scene.

Remember that the Medallion will be found on PUBLIC PROPERTY-within or contiguous to city boundaries, or owned by a Pekin Public body. Hunters do not need to dig up or climb up to find the Medallion. It may be carefully camouflaged or hidden within something easily accessible and not requiring disassembly. The chosen hiding place is always selected with safety and accessibility given the highest consideration. The Pepsi Marigold Medallion will not be hidden on any golf course (public or private), inside Pekin Community High School stadium, inside Dragonland, inside any school facility, flowerbed, around the Sun Dial, or in close proximity to the Pekin Archery Range or the U.A.W. Highrise. The medallion will not be placed in a recessed lighting fixture at the Pekin Public Library or Dirksen Congressional Center. The medallion also will not be placed near the fence at the Federal Bureau of Prisons. No location will be selected that requires physical risk. Also, please be...

Here's what you'll be looking for starting Monday, August 27th.  Thanks to PCHS art students and Bailey U. for designing this year's medallion.