It’s time to test your sleuthing skills as the National Night Out treasure hunt is underway in Hermiston.
The national initiative began in 1984 and this is Hermiston’s 24th year of participating. Cpl. Tim Miears of the Hermiston Police Department said neighborhood camaraderie occurs when people hang out and get to know each other, which helps reduce crime.
As part of the festivities in Hermiston, Miears placed a golden medallion inside a small treasure chest along with other Hermiston Police Department memorabilia. It is hidden on public property somewhere in Hermiston.
The treasure hunt, Miears said, is a fun way to get people excited leading up to National Night Out, which is Tuesday, Aug. 1. In his sixth year of heading up the treasure hunt, Miears said he likes to find a place to hide the booty that makes it fun for people of all ages to search.
The initial clues will be posted on the East Oregonian website (www.eastoregonian.com) starting in the evening on Tuesday, July 25. Subsequent clues will be posted daily until the treasure chest/medallion is found. In addition, a clue will appear in the EO print edition on Thursday, July 27.
On National Night Out, police personnel and city officials will serve ice cream during an evening block party in the neighborhood of the treasure hunt winner. Available personnel also hope to visit other block parties throughout town.
Community members are encouraged to organize neighborhood parties, cookouts or gatherings on Aug. 1. Those planning a NNO event are encouraged to provide time and location information to Miears at 541-667-5112 or tmiears@hermiston.or.us.
Treasure hunt rules:
- The medallion is located within the city of Hermiston. Although not in plain view, searchers won’t have to use tools to dig to find it.
- The person who finds the medallion must live in Hermiston.
- After finding the medallion, call 541-667-5112 and leave a message for Miears or send an email via tmiears@hermiston.or.us.
- By participating in the treasure hunt, the winner acknowledges their name and picture may be published, and they will participate in the National Night Out activities.
