Enjoy Florida’s great outdoors, win some prizes — Treasure Hunt is Nov. 16
By LOIS KINDLE
lois@observernews.net
Cathy Moore, of the Friends of the Little Manatee State Park, and Park Manager Patti Cross invite you to come out with your friends and family to the 2nd Annual Treasure Hunt Nov. 16. Hikers, horseback riders and paddlers are welcome.
The 2nd Annual Treasure Hunt at Little Manatee State Park will take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 16. Whether you enjoy riding a horse, hiking a trail or paddling the river, you’re invited.
Everyone who signs up will have a chance to win a $250 two-night camping stay on the Little Manatee River, including cabin and canoes from Canoe Outpost in Wimauma. A special drawing will be held at 2 p.m.
“The main event involves hikers, riders and paddlers using a map to search the trails, woods or river for keys we’ve hung in the trees that will open a treasure chest of great prizes donated by local businesses and supporters,” said Cathy Moore, treasure hunt coordinator and committee chairwoman for the Friends of the Little Manatee River fundraiser.
These include items donated by ACE Hardware stores in Riverview and Sun City Center, Canoe Outpost, Born to Ride horse rentals, Tractor Supply of Riverview, Parrish Feed, Boggs Jewelry, the Florida State Park Service and more. All are valued at $25 or more, and there is no limit to the number you can win if your keys unlock the treasure chests that match them.
Participants can view the treasure before they start to see which of the treasures they want to look for first. Ten different items are up for grabs, and each has a key associated with it. Collected keys are deposited in the appropriate chest, and then there will be a drawing to see who wins the item inside. Everyone has a chance to win!
Tickets are $25 per entry in advance or $30 the day of the event. A Cuban sandwich, black beans and rice, 1905 salad, drink and dessert are included. Additional meals can be purchased for $8 each, as long as supplies last.
Registration for the Treasure Hunt will be at 8:30 a.m. at the Event Field on Lightfoot Road, which is just past the park’s main gate entrance. Signs will be posted.
Music will be by J. D. & Zeta, and Subzero Snowballs is serving a light breakfast. There also will be Donkey Bingo, a silent auction and 50/50 raffle.
Friends of the Little Manatee State Park events are held to help folks spend time outdoors, learn about the park and enjoy The Real Florida.
Once registered between 8:30 and 10:45 a.m., participants can hit the trails. The last entry must be out by 11, and everyone must be back by 1:30 p.m. Winners will be announced at 2.
“The Friends of the Little Manatee River State Park host these events to attract people to the park to learn about The Real Florida,” Moore said. “In this world of concrete, we try to preserve and protect one of the few natural resources we have left in the area. Plus, our events bring families together, get them outdoors to enjoy nature and support the park.”
All Friends’ fundraisers benefit projects and events in the park, such as October’s Spirits of the River and Park after Dark programs now under way. “We do these events for the public and don’t usually make any money off them,” Moore said. “The Treasure Hunt, Poker Hike-Ride-Paddle, and Cowboy Steak Dinner are our major fundraisers.”
To register in advance, visit www.friendsofthelittlemanatee.org, hit the Special Events tab and then click on Buy Now.
For more information, call 813-677-9291 or 813-634-2228.
