CELEBRATE THE 'THEN & NOW.' This summer's Clearwater Clues Medallion Hunts – one hunt, for the 'Then' medallion, in June; the second hunt, for the 'Now' medallion, in July – is set to kickoff this weekend on Saturday, June 21. (C.V. Museum pictured in background, photo by Andrea Paulseth)

Five years after its first iteration, the Clearwater Clues Medallion Hunts are happening again this summer. A “Then” edition will run June 21-28, followed by a “Now” version July 19-27.

Organizer Andy Brown noted the “Then & Now” concept was inspired by Chippewa Valley Museum social media posts. “Our ‘Then’ hunt, we try to make a little bit more historical,” says Brown.  “The ‘Now’ is focused more on... probably the last, maybe 50 to 70 years.”

Clue stanzas will be released each day at 10:30am online; The hints will lead participants to signs, murals, and more. The first person putting together clues to decipher the medallion’s ultimate location, which will be marked by a Clearwater Clues medallion and sticker, will win a locally-based prize package – called "Bunyan's Backpack" – worth $500.

The June hunt's first clue will be released online at 10:30am this Saturday, June 21.

Additionally, those who find the medallion's location next can also win smaller prize packages or become entered in a local business gift cards raffle.

The medallion hunt concept began with 2020's "EC COVID Clues Ma_ra_th_on" during the COVID-19 pandemic. Brown recalled inspiration for the inaugural event coming from local history noted while getting outside for exercise during the early months of the pandemic.

Though walking routes were the initial, prime purpose for the event, adding a medallion hunt proved a popular aspect. “We got a lot more hits ... on social media for the medallion,” Brown said. The renamed Clearwater Clues hunt series has since expanded to include winter and summertime hunts.

For more information and to see this summer's Clearwater Clues Medallion Hunt hints, visit facebook.com/clearwaterclues.