The Oxford Fun Hunt

The Oxford Fun Hunt is a race of solving puzzles and looking for hidden plaques. The object is to be the first team at the final destination without having opened a “dummy bag” or received any time penalty.

We will meet promptly at 6:30 P.M., Sat June 14, at the east entrance of the Oxford TRI (6025 Fairfield Road), rain or shine.

Each team will receive one large grocery bag containing the smaller clue bags, a sheet with the tip hotline numbers, etc.

WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU

• Cell phone & charger
• Pens, Pencils, Ruler
• Markers/Highlighters/Crayons
• Alphabet numbered forwards (A=1, B=2, …) and backwards (Z=1, Y=2, …)
• Flashlights with new batteries
• Snacks & Water/Beverages
• Reliable car with full tank of gas
• Humor, patience, and energy!

RULES

1. Find the clue bag that matches the symbol on the plaque that is shown to you at the beginning of the Fun Hunt at the Oxford TRI.


2. Solve the puzzle in the clue bag, and then proceed to the designated location. Write the answer (i.e., location name) on at least one copy of the puzzle. If you are unable to solve the puzzle, you may call in for a hint (that will cost you a 5-minute penalty) or the solution (a 20-minute penalty). Please identify your team by its number and the codeword located on a piece of paper in your bag.


3. Once at the location, identify your team to the spotters by calling out your team number. Find a plaque at that location, memorize the symbol on the plaque and return to your vehicle, and open the clue bag with the corresponding symbol on it. Each plaque is approximately 5” x 5” , white background with a unique black symbol. We have illustrated three of these symbols on this instruction sheet.


4. Continue in this manner until you have gone to all locations. You must complete the puzzles in order!


5. When you are at the last location, rush a team member with ALL original contents of your grocery bag. Give these to a Fun Hunt organizer. You must turn in one copy of each clue’s solution & all unopened DUMMY bags or your team will be penalized.


6. The winner of the Fun Hunt is the highest-ranked team that agrees to plan, organize, and conduct the 2025 Fun Hunt. To claim second prize, the second-highest finishing team must agree to assist the 2025 organizing team by soliciting prizes. Any team that declines these responsibilities WILL receive last place.

ALL DECISIONS OF THE FUN HUNT ORGANIZERS ARE FINAL.

PLAQUES

1. Plaques must not be touched, moved or removed!


2. Plaques could be located ANYWHERE within 75 feet of the front entrance or major identifying feature of the location.


3. All plaques will be located on public, commercial, or Miami University property.


4. You may need to look in, up, down, or under things.


5. You must not enter a designated building/business even if the door is open, or your team WILL be disqualified.


6. The area of the Fun Hunt will be within the Oxford city limits and the campus of Miami University, with one or two possible exceptions.


7. While looking for plaques, please do not trample flowers, press on windows, damage or remove property.


8. There will be “spotters” at ALL locations to help you if you absolutely cannot find a hidden plaque. You may ask for a hint after ten minutes of searching at a single location.

DUMMY BAGS AND UNSOLVED PUZZLES

• Make sure the symbol you see on the plaque matches the symbol on the clue bag you open.


• There are “dummy bags” which, if opened by mistake, will result in a 20-minute penalty for your team.


• Unopened, valid clue bags also will result in a 30- minute penalty.

Additional Info & Tips

• PLEASE DRIVE SAFELY
• Speedy thinking, not speedy driving, win
• Oxford Police will cooperate with us as long as we do not break the law
• The police will not allow driving with open vehicle doors or alcoholic beverages

Hoping you are dealt a good hand!

Brendan Bohon, Ben & Andrew Shrider, Jonny Richter, Kasey Turman, & Beth Luebbe Shride