Clues Explained | 2021 Pepsi Marigold Medallion Hunt

 

For years, I never felt I could hide the medallion down by the river front simply due to the lack of a variety of good references. Many of the features at that location are exclusive to it. That would mean that using one of them could end the hunt quickly. 

This year I took notice of Illinois River Road kiosk that has been there for years but which I had never studied.  A closer look at it revealed a possible reference.  It contains “history”, places, spaces, numbers, and colors-from Ottawa to Havana- places near and far.  Observing the area further, with bridge and river traffic,  I knew that would allow for added reference to the “travel” concept. such as “near and far”..  Finally, hiding the medallion at this location would be a first I hunt history, where hunters would “boldly go where no man (medallion finder) has gone before.”  Of course, I had many other hints to reveal that we're more obvious, but as always, I held them back for a possible later clue.  Unfortunately some of the most fun ones I did not get to use.  Carrie Smith and Stacey Hughes found the medallion before I got there.

With this all in mind...let me explain...

Clue 1 

It’s that time of year again;
So popular it’s a part of us.
Even those from near and far
Partake of this effort we trust
 
There is a key to how you approach this;
Telling much of what you need to know
Use of history and a cliche or two,
May help layout the way to go”
 

Explanation:

“So popular” refers to the “Splashpad down at Riverfront Park”

“Near and far” relates to the origins of all the traffic observed on the Pekin Bridge; river barge traffic, and that of pleasure boaters.

 “Key” relates to the IL River Road informational Kiosk. “Use of history” is preemptory for future clues and the historical reference plaque at the park River view seating area, and on the kiosk.  “cliche’ is a writing style indicator that will be descriptive as well.

Clue 2  Explanation

 
Stay away from manicured landscaping
Respect for the work caretakers employ
If it looks caring laid-out and vulnerable
Please be careful and don’t destroy.
 
Life leaves us so many directives
Sending you this way or that.
It doesn’t really matter,
Whether you stood or if you sat.
 

Explanation:

The first verse is simply a courtesy request.  A lot of good people put in a lot of work making our community look great.

 

“Directives” are for all the rule signs throughout the park area.  The Splashpad shoots water “this way or that”.  It also refers to the railing that exists along the bike, walking and wheelchair sidewalk that zig-zag downhill.  “Sat” refers to the many benches in the area, and watching those overseeing kids at the Splashpad you’ll see parents standing or sitting as they do so.

Clue 3 Explanation

 If you’re out hunting early,
Even with the rising sun.
Don’t worry if you see it setting.
It’s not an ending- it’s just begun.
 
There are certainly colors and numbers.
Easy if you look with care
Spread out so far and wide.
Telling you what and where,
 

Explanation:

The “sun” refers to the cutout of the sun on top of the IL River Road kiosk.  The sun sets in the west.  The park is on the west end of town.  “It’s not an ending- it’s just begun” refers to the bike trail which either ends at that point, or begins, depending upon which direction you approach it from. “Colors and numbers” are prevalent throughout the display. “”Look with care” attempts to draw attention to the IL River Road kiosk/display.  “Spread out so far and wide” relates to the map on the display that tells you “what” and “where” to find points of interest in Pekin including the Riverfront Park area.

Clue 4 Explanation

 
In life, issues are best considered,
And examined from all sides;
Doing your homework; expanding your thoughts,
Individual stories all aligned..
 
If you carefully follow each clue,
Seeking to find a way to win.
You know that it often follows.
That you find the end in where it begins.
 

Explanation:

The kioskis a 4 sided unit with a wealth of information. It was the “key” to much of the Hunt.  History and places far and wide were communities and activities between Ottawa and Havana on the IL River.

The second verse ends “find the end in where it begins.”  The Pekin Park Trail starts or ends close to the hiding place.  So it all depends on your perspective.

 Clue 5 Explanation

 

If a picture is worth a thousand words,
Then here it may be worth more.
In many ways it can all add up.
You just can’t keep the score.
 
Many spaces and many places,
All for you to seek.
They’re all right there in front you,
Lean in and take a peek.
 
 “Picture” refers to the photos on the kiosk.  There are also numbers- which are figures you can “add up”.  “Can’t keep the score” informs the hunter that there is no sporting event associated with the chosen park area.

 The entire second verse describes what is contained in the kiosk information. “Places” are all towns listed there; they are “all there right in front of you”; “lean in” denotes looking at something closely.

 

 Clue 6 Explanations

 If you boldly go with a study of years,

Look up and down the terrain.
Seek out some variety,
It’s anything but plain.
 
We all should read between the lines.
look for oddities on a tree to be found
Find peace for your holiday weekend,
And listen for a panoply of sounds.
 

 Explanation:

“Boldly go” is part of the opening lines of Star Trek- “To Boldly go where no man has gone before”.  If you “study the years” 34) of the medallion hint, it has never been n Waterfront or Miller Park down by the waterfront of the Illinois River.

That park area has a range of attractions- “a variety” -from a playground, Spashpad, gazebo, pier and event meadow.

 In the second verse, “read between the lines” relates to both the script on the kiosk and area historic makers and to the overhead power lines.

There is a tree right over the hiding spot which has a large branch “oddly” sticking out.  Panoply of sounds refers to the sounds of trail activity, train activity, river activity; bridge activity, and park activity.

 

Clue 7 Explanation

 Are you out there looking for the key?
This might make you groan.
The key to finding the key you need.
Simply stands alone.
 
Look for a 2006 winner
Of a Presidential Freedom award.
Find two books of an historian’s work.
You'll be in the thick of your reward.

 

The first verse points again to the IL River Road kiosk. If you're down at the Riverfront Park, it's standing alone with its own dedicated space right off the sidewalk.

The second verse requires some digging.  If you look.up the 2006 Presidential Medal of Freedom Award winners you find two historians.  One is Paul Johnson.  The other is David McCullough, who has written several Best-Selling books.

Two apply here as instructed: the Great Bridge and the Johnstown Flood.  Deciphering it accordingly, would get you down to the river.

Congratulations to Carrie Smith and Stacey Hayes for their discovery.  Long time hunters who finally found it, they were very excited when they called at 7:11 am, informing me of their discovery.

A job well done to them, and a thank you to all who participated. I hope you had fun.

 

Gary Gillis