By Kelli Miller
My son, Cullen, and I have been chasing the downtown train for three years. No, we aren’t planning on hopping aboard. Instead, we’re trying to capture a photo of it in hopes of earning points for the Downtown Woodstock Scavenger Hunt. A snapshot of us with the elusive locomotive scores us three points. According to event organizers, it’s a tough picture to get.
The free annual event takes place at the end of August through early September and is a great way to get to know Woodstock, even if you’ve lived here for many years like I have. You may have seen us, AKA Team Awesome: We’re the mom and son team holding silly signs and striking crazy poses along Main Street and beyond. During our adventure, we’ve found hidden trails and a historic jail (did you know Salon Bastille used to be the old Woodstock slammer?) and many amazing places to relax and eat. Pure is my favorite, but what 8-year-old doesn’t love Cupcakelicious? We’ve weaved our way from the Elm Street Green to Rope Mill Park to Stars & Strikes and back for clues and tasks, like blowing a bubble in front of the Park at City Center fountain. (This picture earned us 1 point.)
Cullen gives three reasons why you should do the scavenger hunt: 1) You spend more time outside on cool trails, 2) You’re with your family more, and 3) You learn neat things about Woodstock.
Last year, we ranked close to the top. This year, we are hoping to be No. 1, but scores weren’t available at press time. The winner receives $100 in Downtown Dollars. This time, we rode the trolley – 2 points, yay! But we still haven’t caught the train.
Editor’s note: The winning team in this year’s Downtown Woodstock Scavenger Hunt was Kim Ko, which completed 97 out of the 100 challenges.
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