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ELKINS -- More than 50 adults and children took part in the third annual "Celebrating the Family" Scavenger Hunt hosted by Our Town Inc.
The hunt, which was designed for children from preschool through the fifth grade, started at the Seneca Mall Atrium. While at that location, participants were treated to a story from acclaimed children's author Todd Parr and given a scavenger hunt bag and clue sheet before heading out on their journey.
Accompanied by an adult, children traveled throughout downtown Elkins searching for clues at a dozen businesses and organizations.
"Following the book reading, the children decorated envelopes and picked up a bag, a pencil and a clue sheet that led them to various businesses around town," Our Town Volunteer Cindy Stemple, who helped organize the event, told The Inter-Mountain. "At each stop they were given a 'good behavior' coupon and a special treat."
After all the goodies were collected at each location, those participating returned to the Atrium and received a homemade cookie and a carnation to give to a special caregiver in their life.
Paula Marco, another Our Town volunteer who helped put the event together, was pleased with the way things turned out on Saturday.
"The weather cooperated and the families that participated had fun collecting coupons to put in a handmade card to give to a special family member," Marco said. "I want to give a special thank you to the businesses that participated, and to the Our Town members who made this event a success."
Kathryn Alred also helped Marco and Stemple plan the Scavenger Hunt. Our Town members Joyce Chenoweth, Sue Daft, Tammy Wells, Betsy Smith, Richard Smith, Julie Civellio and Bobbi Trimboli volunteered the day of the event. Jane Wamsley and Linda Wimoth baked cookies for the hunt.
The event is organized each spring to help bring attention to downtown businesses, especially those who have recently opened. The scavenger hunt allows residents to visit businesses and see all the products they have to offer. The Seneca Mall Atrium and the Mossy Merchant helped sponsor this year's hunt.
Businesses and organizations participating in this year's Scavenger Hunt included: Clementine's Cantina, Mossy Merchant, Fancy Paws, Hippy Chicks, Alexandria on Main, Dollar General, Elkins Sewing Center, Dandelion Candy Store, Tygart Hotel, Elkins Depot and Welcome Center, and the Elkins/Randolph County YMCA.
"The downtown merchants are always willing to participate in our Scavenger Hunts," Trimboli told The Inter-Mountain. "We attempt to rotate the places to include different ones each year. With the recent opening of the newer businesses, we were fortunate to include them in the 2024 scavenger hunt. That gave the children and families the opportunity to see recent shopping venues and meet the owners."