The Quest To Find Your Hidden Otter
The Quest To Find Your Hidden Otter
By Emma Uhrich, Daily Journal Media
[This article was originally featured online at: http://www.fergusfallsjournal.com/2017/07/the-quest-to-find-your-inner-otter/ ]
Shop, Move’n Groove is not only new itself, but has inspired others to create events promoting health and activity. The sidewalk and block event will host the first annual Find Your Inner Otter Quest created by the YMCA and Find Your Inner Otter.
The YMCA is a well known wellness center that provides fitness and health class. It only makes sense that they would pair up with Otter Tail Lakes Country Association to create an inclusive scavenger hunt for community members to enjoy.
Find Your Inner Otter was created by the Otter Tail Lakes Country Associate to promote the local area and what it has to offer. According to marketing and membership coordinator Nancy Valentine, Find Your Inner Otter is a nonprofit organization that displays places to play, stay and dine in Otter Tail County. The organization aims to promote tourism and aid in economic development in the area. The company only started a few years ago and is picking up speed which enabled them to be a main sponsor of the hunt and a contributor to the planning.
The scavenger hunt works in conjunction with 10 local businesses to create a challenge for participants. The hunt will begin with registration and the first clue at City Hall at 3 p.m. Other details are protected under lock and key to ensure fair chances for everyone involved.
According to YMCA membership and marketing director, Samantha VanWechel-Meyer, the hunt was created to promote movement within the community as well as stimulate interest in local businesses. Each location will offer new clues and will push you farther in the race. However, if you do not wish to do the entire hunt, you may still be in the running for prizes. The number of locations a participant visits equals the number of times their name will be entered in a drawing. Although, if you complete all 10 of the clues you will be entered into the grand prize drawing.
The winner of the hunt will receive a one-of-a-kind 3-D printed otter to commemorate the event. Other prizes include a YMCA membership, Fergus Bucks, gift cards and merchandise from businesses.
The process of creation has gone smootH, but has required research and detail-oriented planning. Both Valentine and VanWechel-Meyer said that working with each other and others involved has been a great experience for everyone. Valentine stated that to ensure a well put together activity, the organization consulted a puzzle company in Fargo to weigh in on their ideas. While keeping the layout and resources of the town in mind, the group was able to create a scavenger hunt that anyone can complete. “There will be a good mix of challenging and easy clues,” Valentine said. Those involved in planning have done some troubleshooting as well, ensuring different paths for participants so following others can be prevented.
Their biggest hurdle so far has been trying to predict and accommodate numbers of participants. Since this is their first year, they are not sure what to expect. Through meeting with other planners of medallion and scavenger hunts, they have gathered insight on what the numbers could be like. “We would much rather over plan than under plan,” Valentine said.
Be sure to attend Shop, Move’n Groove and participate in activities like Find Your Inner Otter Quest to promote your community. The hunt is free and was designed to be family friendly and challenging. If you are interested, join others at City hall at 3 p.m on July 13.
