Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Emerald City Search?
The Emerald City Search was conceived as a city-wide, community enriching event and has in the past partnered with a wide variety of Seattle cultural institutions, including the Seattle Art Museum, Woodland Park Zoo and Bumbershoot. The ECS began five years ago, operated initially by the University of Washington and first championed by Will Berkowitz of the Hillel Foundation. Longtime Puzzlemasters Stephen Shippert and Jeff McCord of Playmasons, LLC—a Seattle-based game company—have been involved since the event’s second year and currently operate the search.
Where can I get the clues?
The ECS presents a ten-day Search, each day with a uniquely themed clue appearing in The Seattle Times, and online at seattletimes.com, emeraldcitysearch.com, and on Emerald City Search’s Facebook. Search clues will be published each day at 12:01 AM (just after midnight).
Do you have any tips?
Why, yes, we do! Visit Tips for lots of helpful details, including full explanations for 2009 clues.
How long does the ECS last?
A new clue will be revealed daily starting at 12:01 AM on Wednesday, August 25, 2010 (just after midnight Tuesday night), and go through through Friday, September 3, 2010 unless the medallion is found prior to that date. Read the daily clues to search for the medallion located on public land in the city of Seattle. There are ten possible clues (fewer if found before ten days).
Where can the Medallion be hidden?
YOU DO NOT NEED TO DIG, MOVE, OR DISTURB PROPERTY IN ANY WAY. The medallion is accessible for everyone—there is no need to climb, crawl, or clamber. ONCE FOUND, THE MEDALLION IS EASILY REMOVABLE. Please immediately follow the directions printed on the back of the medallion to claim your Grand Prize!
The medallion is NOT located on private property, but on public property that is easily accessible.
SEARCH, DON’T DESTROY: The operators of the Emerald City Search reserve the right to discontinue the Search at any time if public property is destroyed.
What happens of it is not found?
If the medallion is not found by 10:00 AM on Saturday, September 4, 2010, the Producer reserves the right to terminate the Search.
What are the contest rules?
Please read the complete Emerald City Search contest rules.