Winter Walk Holiday Hunt Starts Saturday

If you didn't get your fix of horseshoe hunting during Defeat of Jesse James Days, your holiday season just got a bit brighter.

DJJD Cluemaster Tim Freeland on Monday released details about the inaugural Winter Walk Holiday Hunt, which will feature similar rules and the same task—find a hidden item in Northfield.

The event, sponsored by the , starts Saturday with the release of the first clue. A clue will be given each morning to Northfield Patch and other media outlets with the final clue coming Thursday, Dec. 8, which is the day of Winter Walk.

Instead of a horseshoe, you'll be on the lookout for an ornament in the shape of a snowflake. The lucky person or people who find the ornament receives a prize package valued at $500.

Full rules are below.

2011 Winter Walk Holiday Hunt Official Rules

• This brand new event is sponsored by the Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce and is an official “Winter Walk” event.  A brown metal Christmas ornament in the shape of a snow flake (3-4” in circumference) will be hidden within the Northfield city limits on public property.  The general concept of this event is intended to mirror that of the Defeat of Jesse James Days Horse Shoe Hunt.
• The first clue will be revealed at 6am on Saturday, December 3rd.  There will be six clues revealed one per day with the final clue on Thursday, December 8th, the morning of Winter Walk.
• If the ornament is not found by 5pm on Thursday, December 8th, 2011, the hunt will officially end for the year.  The location will then be revealed and there will be no winner named.
• Clues will be emailed to , the , Northfield Patch, and the Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce at 6am each morning of this event.  Each will be asked to post to their websites, include in any print and for KYMN to broadcast on air.
• The winner must be at least 18 years old, although anyone can help in the hunt.
• The ornament will be located on public property within Northfield and will not be buried.  Snow precipitation after hiding may result in some snow cover. No digging will be necessary in the retrieval of the ornament.
• The ornament will not be hidden in any public Christmas decoration or display.  Refrain from digging through any existing decorations.
• Should any damage to property occur while they are retrieving the ornament, the winner will forfeit all prize money and prizes.
• The Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce or any participating sponsor, media entity or Chamber member is not responsible for any personal injury incurred hunting for or retrieving the ornament.
• There is no requirement to register or purchase anything to hunt. The payout is the same for all.
• There is no cost for this event.
• When the ornament is found, the winner must immediately notify Tim Freeland at 507-581-5038.  Tim will arrange to meet you and confirm the ornaments authenticity.
• We encourage families to join together to work out the clues and search together on a possible new tradition.
• If you win, you must agree to be publicly named along with the possibility of an on-air radio interview, your photo and name(s) on various local websites and a picture and write up in the paper.
• Everyone except the hunt organizer Tim Freeland and his immediate family members are eligible to participate.