Monday, June 9 - Clue 1
The smoke is rising. The grills are hot.
Our annual hunt, a savory plot.
This year we're back, for number five.
Look to the heart, where community thrives.
No need to stray far, from festive cheer,
Your journey begins, both close and near.
Explanation: It's the fifth year of our hunt! This clue doesn't give you much information, unless you really know your Derby history. Before High Park and Madison Avenue Park existed, large town celebrations were held at Hand Park.
Tuesday, June 10 - Clue 2
You've started the quest, with hunger and zest
For the bragging rights and prize, put to the test.
Think of green spaces, where laughter takes flight,
And children playing freely, from morning till night.
A place where friendships are made,
For family gatherings, a lively parade.
Explanation: Hand Park is located next to Swaney Elementary's playground and also boasts two playgrounds of its own. It was also the starting and ending location for parades in the 1960s and 1970s in Derby, as well as the location of many family reunions at its large, covered shelters.
Wednesday, June 11 - Clue 3
You're getting so close, the excitement grows high,
Beneath open skies where eagles might fly.
Near the heart of our town, but not on the main,
A spot often visited, again and again,
Look for the signs of nature's embrace,
A leafy retreat in this bustling place.
Explanation: Hand Park is a very green space with a lot of mature trees. This hint indicated you should look in a "leafy retreat" or under leaves to find the medallion. The eagles reference was a bit of a misdirection, but it did refer to the 4th of July since that was the date Hand Park was dedicated in 1958.
Thursday, June 12 - Clue 4
The scent of good BBQ might lead you astray,
But follow the clues, comes what may.
Head to a haven where history's etched deep.
Near where old streets and new memories keep.
Places to play, alone and with teams,
A hub of community, and childhood dreams.
Explanation: Derby originally expanded from the west side of town along K-15, where Hand Park is located. It wasn't under the 1980s and 1990s that the boom along Rock Road started. "Places to play, alone and with teams" should lead seekers to Hand Park where there are baseball fields, a basketball court, horseshoe pits, and a sand volleyball court.
Friday, June 13 - Clue 5
The final approach, the moment is near,
Dismiss all your doubts and banish your fear.
In a park named for a builder, helping and kind,
Within its bounds, a treasure you'll find.
Seek out what remains, though life it has fled,
A natural sentinel where green once was spread.
Explanation: Hand Park is named for Don Hand Sr, who was a realtor and builder of many homes in Derby during the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s. "Seek out what remains, though life is has fled...A natural sentinel where green once was spread." is a very colorful description of an old tree stump, which is where you will find the medallion.
Saturday, June 14 - Clue Six
The search is now over, your journey complete,
For this wooden vessel, a rustic old seat.
No longer reaching, for sun in the sky,
But patiently waiting, as moments drift by.
Travel to the end, where Wildcats may wander,
Peer inside and solve this final ponder.
Explanation: This clue again points to a tree stump, only more directly. "Travel to the end, where Wildcats may wander" tells you that the stump the medallion is sitting on, under a vine of leaves, is located at the far south end of Hand Park which has a one-way access road. The mention of Wildcats tells medallion hunters that they are in the right place if they are near Swaney Elementary, who's mascot is the Wildcat.
