information & FAQ: Petaluma

For general information about what to expect on one of our public hunts, click on the How It Works link at left.

When and Where? • Getting there & parking • Team Questions • Do I need to be familiar with Petaluma? • What should I bring?  • Suitable for Children? • Ticketing Questions  • Rules Questions • Is There a Prize? • Scores & Ranking

When does the hunt take place?
Saturday, August 22nd. Will Call opens at 11:30am. The hunt will run from about 1-4pm.

Where does the hunt start?
The hunt begins at Theater Square, and will end near the bandstand adjacent to Theater Square on Second Street. (google map)

When does the hunt begin and end?
Will Call will open at 11:30 am. Players should arrive early to get good parking, and to pick up their clue packets. The hunt will officially kick off at about 1:00 pm. The hunt will officially end at 4:00 pm. Winners will be announced as soon as possible after the official end time.

How do I get to the hunt & where can I park?
Petaluma is about 40 miles north of San Francisco, on Highway 101. Parking is one block from the starting point for the hunt, at First & C streets.

TEAM QUESTIONS
How many people can there be on a team?
Generally, four to seven players per team is a good number.  Teams can be as small as three, and as large as nine. The larger the team becomes, the more difficult it is to stay together.  Your team must remain within sight and earshot of each other.

Can I show up without a team?
Yes.  There will be a place set aside for those who do not have teams, where you may meet other players and form teams.

Do I need to be familiar with Petaluma to play?
No, you will be given a map of the playing area and all of the clues will lead you to places that are on the map.  Your personal knowledge and common sense will be of more use than specific knowledge of Petaluma.  Along the way you will probably learn some interesting knowledge about Petaluma.

What should I bring?
Definitely bring your sense of adventure, an open mind, weather-appropriate attire, and a pair of good walking shoes.  You will need a  pen or pencil with which to record your answers and for marking your map, and a clipboard or other writing surface is recommended. Highlighters can also come in handy.  Other items you might consider are water and snacks to eat and drink during the hunt. Optional items might include a digital camera, calculator, or a highlighter.

Is the hunt suitable for kids?
Absolutely.  Kids are excellent at finding clues, and sometimes are learning things in school that adults have forgotten. We recommend the hunt for kids age 12 and older. Younger kids may have trouble with the amount of walking. Kids 12 and older will be charged the regular $15.00 price.

TICKETING
How much are tickets?
The hunt costs $15.00 per person or $50 for a team of four, which is tax-deductible.

Should I buy a ticket in advance?
It is strongly recommended, as there are a limited number of spaces available. Our online ticketing service will email a reciept, which you must present at the will call table the morning of the hunt to receive your clues.

If I don’t buy a spot in advance, can I still show up?
Absolutely.  However, the hunt has a limited number of participants, so you are advised to purchase in advance. Tickets on the day of the hunt are $20.00. 

What does a purchase get me?
Your printed receipt reserves a spot in the hunt, and a clue packet including a detailed map for each paid player.  You will take your receipt to Will Call to receive your clue packet or packets.

If I buy a spot for the hunt and cannot attend, what happens?
Your purchase is non-refundable, as it serves as a place holder for you to participate in the hunt.  If for some reason a member of your team cannot attend, you’re free to designate another player, but you must present your printed receipt in order to receive your clue packet or packets.  Or, you can donate your spot back to the event.

When will I receive my ticket?
Click4tix will email you a receipt.  Print this and bring it with you the day of the hunt.  All receipts will be checked off at the Will Call table for clue packets.

What if I lose my receipt?
Don’t lose your receipt - you need it to get your clue packet or packets.

RULES QUESTIONS
Can I use a bicycle or a car to get around?
No.  With the exception of those who have a physical limitation and require assisted transport to get around (wheelchairs, etc.), teams must stay on foot.  

Can I call someone to get an answer?
No. All team members must be physically present during the hunt.

Can I use the bookstore or ask people along the way?
Definitely.  You are encouraged to use resources that exist independently of the treasure hunt, such as bookstores, the library, store vendors, etc. to assist you.

Can I use cell phones, laptop computers, blackberries, etc. to assist me?
Yes, but you are not likely to need them.  Part of the fun of the hunt is to get out and walk to the clue sites seeking information along the way.  All the information you will need to solve the clues is available in the clue packet and on the streets of downtown Petaluma.

What if someone wants to run ahead?
It would be against the rules, as everyone on your team must stay together.  Also, it lessens the fun for all involved, for there are interesting landmarks, objects, actors, etc. that everyone ought to have the opportunity to enjoy.  Part of the enjoyment is to experience all of these things together.

What if someone gets lost?
That person can rejoin your team later, but cannot play on his/her own.

What if someone on my team decides or needs to leave during the hunt?
No problem.  Sometimes things occur where someone can only experience part of the hunt.  Once that person leaves he/she cannot continue to assist you in going to clue locations.

Does a team have to solve all the clues to win?
Not necessarily.  If no one team solves all of the clues, then the team that solves nine clues correctly wins.  It may be that the winning team solves only a majority of the clues, but it is likely that a team will complete all of the clues.

Is There A Prize for the Winning Team?
There will be awards for the First, Second, and Third place teams, but the hunt is really more about the experience and the bragging rights. Check back soon to find out what our official prizes are.

Can we find out how our team did?
Yes. The winners will be announced as soon as the results can be scored following the 4:00 deadline.  Teams that solve all the clues and turn them in before time is called will be requested to leave a contact number so they can be notified in the event they’ve won.  Scores and answers will also be posted on-line. Go to the Great Petaluma Treasure Hunt page on our site, and click on the Scores and Rankings link

For even more information, see our How it Works page, or email us at info{at sign}mastermindhunts.com