SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — The 2023 Syracuse Winterfest kicked off its annual event today by releasing its first clue for a prize of $2,000 to some lucky winner out there who finds the medallion first.
The treasure hunt is sponsored by Countryside Federal Credit Union and syracuse.com.
Every year a 1.5 inch plastic medallion is hidden at a public area in Onondaga County.
The 2022 winner, Brian Schermerhorn of Chittenango, found the medallion tucked underneath the roots of the trees at the Onondaga Creekwalk.
“It was kind of surreal,” said Schermerhorn following, “it’s hard to put into words it was kind of like I can’t believe I found it.”
Schermerhorn said he was invited by his father and his father’s girlfriend to help them search for the medallion and he “was just lucky enough to find it.”
He used the reward money to help pay for college tuition.
The first clue released was “The Hunt starts today! Within Onondaga County parks you’ll have to stay,” according to syracuse.com and The Post-Standard.
At Onondaga Lake Park, Richard Marquis of Liverpool, said that he has come close to finding the medallion a couple of times.
He said that he knew exactly where it was but just couldn’t find it.
“It’s important to know to follow the clues, to get an idea where it is but then once you get there, you know, there are still some people who are more observant than others,” said Marquis.
Mary McBlane and Leigh Wilson of Liverpool said they look out for the treasure every year.
“We have been in the same place twice when it was found and it was very frustrating,” Wilson said.
McBlane added that “the early clues are very vague, so it’s better to keep watching them.”
At the Winterfest, there are many different events offered for all ages.
Bill Cooper has been president of the Winterfest since 1998 and has been involved since the inception since 1985.
Cooper said there is “a little bit of something for everyone” at the Winterfest.
In addition to the annual treasure hunt, there is ice skating, fireworks, human dog sled races, corn hole tournaments, live music, food/drink competitions and more offered.
The Winterfest at Syracuse lasts from Feb. 16-26.