FAQ: The Great petaluma Treasure Hunt 2011

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How hard are these clues?  Clues will be challenging, but solvable by normal humans, and come in a variety of difficulty levels. Communication between team mates is the key. Clues may involve wordplay, anagrams, simple math and codebreaking, visual puzzles, or other challenges, and are usually more difficult for one person to solve on their own.

Last year's hunt was pretty tough. Will it be as challenging this year?  Yes and no. The actual clues will still range from "My three-year-old nephew knows that!" to "Oww! My Brain!" We do our best to create a wide variety of clues, some of which may be harder for some and easier for others.

How much walking will there be?  Quite a bit. The playing area covers most of historic downtown Petaluma. How much walking you actually do depends on the route you plan, but you may walk two to three miles. Sturdy, comfortable footwear is recommended.

Do I need to be an expert on Petaluma to win?  Not really.  It does help to know the area, but we do our best to design the clues so that everyone is on an even playing field. Your ability to think outside of the box, follow directions well, and make use of the knowledge and skills of all team members is more important than how well you know Petaluma.

What should I bring?  Your wits, creativity and a spirit of adventure. Sturdy, comfortable footwear. Water and snacks are a good idea, as are pens or pencils, a highlighter to mark locations on your map, and a clipboard or other hard writing surface. Remember to dress for the weather, as you will be outdoors for most, if not all of the hunt.

Can we use a smart phone or other mobile internet device?  Yes.

Can we do the hunt on bikes?  No. All teams must remain on foot.

Do I have to play on a team?  Yes. One of the best parts of a treasure hunt is discovering the knowledge and abilities that each member of the team brings to the event. That said, a team can be as small as two people, or as large as eight. We've found that the optimum team size is 4-5.

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.

Can my team split up?  No. Teams must stay together at all times.

Is the hunt okay for kids?  Absolutely. We recommend the hunt for kids age 11 and older.  Kids 11 and older will be charged the regular admission price and must be accompanied by an adult.

How do we win?  The first team at the endpoint before the 5:00 cut off time with the greatest number of correctly solved clues wins.

What's in it for me? What, you mean besides having a super-cool, unique bonding experience with your friends, over two hours of adventure, stories to tell for the next year, and the warm feeling that comes from giving to a good cause?  (It's the Butter & Egg!)  Well, the top three finishers will win prizes with the top team also receiving tickets for next year's event.
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Rules FAQ

For a list of rules, click here

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.

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 the most 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 team, but the hunt is really more about the experience and the bragging rights.

Is there a prize for the Best Team Name?  Yes. Those teams signing up on-line in advance are eligible for the best team name contest.  We love puns and clever names.  Especially those themed on Petaluma's Butter & Egg.

Is there a Costume contest?  Is there a prize for this? Yes to both!  We are instating a costume contest this year to be judged prior to the hunt.
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Ticketing FAQ

How much are tickets?  $20 per player.  However, if you register on-line by Sunday, August 14th  and use the code LEGHORN, you will receive a discount.
Note: there will be no on-line ticketing on August 19th. Walk-up tickets on the day of the event are $25.

Should I buy a ticket in advance?  Yes. You'll save money! (see above). Our on-line ticketing service will e-mail 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 $25.00. 

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?  You will be able to print your receipt at the time of purchase.  Bring your printed receipt 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.
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