Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce

It was found on Tuesday, September 4th, at 4:50pm, after the 7th clue was released.
It was found off a path from the dog training area on Parkway Drive. Congratulations to Angie Bumbalough, who deciphered the clues and found the Pepsi Marigold Medallion. She has been an avid Pepsie Marigold Medallion "hunter" all her life, and her hard work paid off this year.

To construct a hunt properly, I always develop themes or concepts to build my clues around. This year those themes centered around dogs as well as the often used reference to the Pekin phonebook as an added resource. I also throw in a compliment of specific features that often is only obvious if the hunter is at or near the exact location. Within that framework, here are my clue explanations. Look for key words or phrases in quotes.

Clue #1: The "hunt of historic meaning" and my "twentieth year" refers to the 1997 Hunt which was in the same location. It was the longest hunt ever, running ten clues and a bonus verse. Those facts made it an "exciting", "nostalgic" and "historic" hunt amongst the 29 previous hunts. "Recall that reference", and "fingers do the walking" introduced the phonebook as a resource. That phrase also developed a contrast to "running" which is what many people bring their dogs to that area to do. "Angling" related to the Potowatami Trail juncture that "angles" either left or right. "Eager eyes" was an early and very subtle reference to dogs.

Clue #2: This clue was descriptive of the general area. The "common" color is the varying but abundant shades of green in the area. The "contrasts" pointed out the very open clearings surrounded by a thick growth of trees. Also, when walking along the trail you notice that, because of it being so well shaded, the contrast between the green area you came from to the generally brown area along the trail. The second verse referred to the phonebook - specifically the Pekin map (geographical). Just to the west of the Dog Training area is the street Arlington "Circle". However, with close "examination" you can see that it is an "incomplete" circle, bordered by Tharp Street on the north. Originally I was going to say a "circle incomplete" but my collaboraters (Bouncers) wanted a less direct reference so I chose "zero". It was not an easy one to figure out. That's why the tip - "it will take near exhaustive examination". Finally, the Dog Training Area has two main fields. Unlike other area fields, they are not meant for games or team sports. Therefore, unlike them, those fields, "know no defeat".

Clue #3: In this clue the references are few but very "precise" to the location. Because of the abundance of trees that surrounds the area, "everything will appear the same". "The obvious" refers to those specific points that I make that will stand out if noticed. In the second verse I refer to the "directions" painted on a tree trunk at the trailhead that says "No Horses". Ignoring that rule would be "indiscrete". "Quietly go about your business" is a "subtle" reference to the fact that the area is grass and trail. There is no hard surface where you can hear footsteps and there is no road noise, etc.

Clue #4; In the first line "spot" is an old-fashioned, popular dog's name. "Things that didn't quite fit" refer to the rip-rap pile of torn up concrete that is used to stop Lick Creek erosion. It just doesn't fit in with the serene surroundings. The "sense of irony" refers to the Lions Club Shelter. I found it ironic that, in an area known for training dogs, lied a shelter/picnic table honoring the biggest cat of all. The Lion's is a very "proud" local "club". Of course to "club" something is also to "hit" it. In the second verse, if you apply a bit of "wordplay" to "the act of walking" you will find that another term for walking is "gait". The two open fields are separated by a yellow gate. "Reflect" relates to the water at Lick Creek. "Act of caring" is the noted activity of those who caringly bring their dogs out to that area for training and a good run. Finally, "doubly clear" refers to the two clearings that are characteristic of the area.

Clue #5: This clue returns to the phone book, specifically the Pekin map. The "early form of communication" "that clicked" and was used "way back when" was a reference to the telegraph. (I originally had "telegraph" in the line but my Bouncers thought it too obvious). "A referral that again I foretell" told the hunter to go back to their Pekin phonebook. If you look at the Pekin map you will see the city boundaries is highlighted by a series of dot and dashes - the language of the telegraph. That line goes right by the exact location of the hiding spot. "Discovery" is a veiled map reference, and "edgy" again relates to the location at the edge of the indicated boundary. "Numbers and letters" are the reference points in any typical map. "Teach" is a dog training indication as is the word "patience" which is often a must when trying to train an animal.

Clue #6: In this clue there was a very general reference highlighted by some specifics. Specifically, "tall and mighty" and "wood" referred to the trees, especially the fallen tree where the Medallion was hidden. The trail goes slightly uphill, or "higher sights". The rest of the clue tells the hunter to look at the "spirit of the letter". Here I was focusing on one letter - the letter "k". In seeking that letter you had to "peruse closely" and "carefully select your picks". Since this was the last clue of a three-day weekend, I had to keep this letter referral vague and subject to a lot of "difficult" detective work. But as a thorough detective you may have discovered the number of "K's" and noted that there are nine of them. If so, you came up with "K9" or "Canine". Need I say more? (If you count, don't miss the two "k's" in "knock").

Clue #7: This was originally written as #6 but my Bouncers had the wise foresight to see that it was a little too specific. Note the references to dog behavior. There are references to "exercise" and "paces". It is often difficult to modify a dog's learned behavior. Also a dog does not possess the capability to "argue" but resolves their issues by "fighting". The second verse refers exclusively to dog behavior. Take a look and you'll see that they certainly apply to dogs.

Knowing that the last hunt in this location took ten clues, I had two more written for this year. But Angie Bumbalough figured the clues out, and, after years of being a Bridesmaid, she finally became a Bride. My heartiest congratulations to her and her family for their successful efforts. Just as important, I want to thank all who participated this year and the many friends and hunters who have supported and encouraged me these past 20 years. It's been fun!

I've put you through the paces,
As you exercised your rights.
How easy is it to modify behavior,
When they don't argue but could easily fight?

Temptation is very much natural;
So instinctive in inevitable ways.
Rehabilitation is nearly impossible,
They learned it in their earliest days.

Like the tall and mighty it's waiting,
The lucky sometimes knock on wood.
The determined set higher sights,
The spirit of the letter is really what's good.

I know that this can seem difficult,
So lets go and end this quick.
I've kept you in the dark long enough,
Peruse closely and carefully select your picks.

An early form of communication,
That really clicked and served us well.
A resource used way back when,
Another referral that again I foretell.

If that discovery makes you edgy,
Like the study of numbers and letters.
So many times I've tried to teach you,
That the patient are seldom regretters.

When I sought the hiding spot,
I saw things that didn't quite fit.
I also felt a sense of irony,
For something that's so proudly a hit.

Now think of the act of walking,
Some wordplay may help you here.
Reflect upon the act of caring,
What's important is it's doubly clear.

When you're getting closer,
Everything will appear the same.
Study things in precise detail,
Then the obvious may win this game.

Mark my words very carefully,
Following the subtleties in my directions.
Quietly go about your business,
Sound rules to avoid indiscretions.

Colors can seem resplendent,
Or as common as the sun arising.
Contrast can be over looked,
But when shaded, they can be surprising.

Your reward might be geographical,
Not far from a zero that means incomplete.
It will take near exhaustive examination,
Near a place that knows no defeat.

Amazed that this is my twentieth year,
A hunt of historic meaning.
Recalling some exciting times now past,
A collection of seekers now convening.

For nostalgia I'll recall that reference,
As you're angling for the prize.
Only your fingers may do the walking;
Engaged in a study for eager eyes.

Disclaimer

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 U.A.W. High-rise. 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 WILL NOT be at or around the Pekin Train Depot. It IS NOT hidden in a location that necessitates taking extraordinary 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.