Treasure hunt kicks off 'Pirates' fun

The treasures of the "Pirates of the Caribbean" will have nothing on Sisters this coming Thursday afternoon, May 24. Sisters Movie House is hiding a treasure chest for local pirates.

Everyone is welcome to participate in the treasure hunt which will begin promptly at 3:30 p.m., when the first clue will be made available. The hunt will begin at Sisters Coffee Company with the release of a clue. Pirates will follow the clue to the next clue and the next and so on until the treasure is found. Whoever finds the treasure will get to keep it.

"When they go to Sisters Coffee someone will give them a piece of paper and it will have written where they can get the next clue. The clues will lead them ultimately to where the 'gold medallion' is located. It is being made right now by John Simpkins," said Ron Glanville of Sisters Movie House.

The treasure hunt will be held in and around Sisters. The event is hosted by a number of Sisters businesses that have contributed to the treasure in various ways. The search for the treasure chest will last until 6 p.m., and the bounty will be given to the winner before the first preview showing of the newly-released "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" at 8 p.m.

The treasure chest has been filled by a number of local merchants with a considerable amount of loot.

"I am estimating that there is upwards of two or three hundred dollars of merchandise and services in the treasure chest. There is clothing and other things too. These are real things. It is not like they are coupons or something like that," said Glanville.

Participation in the treasure hunt does not require attendance at the film, and the event is free of charge. Anyone who wishes to participate in the treasure hunt is encouraged to dress as a pirate. Prizes will be awarded for creative costumes.

"There will be a lot of prizes for the people that come in costumes. Many of the places where they will be picking up clues will give a prize if they are in costumes," said Glanville.

Although the clues will lead to the area were the medallion is hidden, it is hidden, and treasure seekers will truly have to find it. "The medallion will be hidden somewhere within a mile of the city limits. The clues are a little like a puzzle, and whoever figures it out first will find the medallion," said Glanville.

The "golden medallion" will be used to claim the treasure chest prize. The printed clues that are picked up along the trail for the treasure will also be needed to collect the prize.

Forming a team to assist in the search is within the rules of the event. However, "they will then have to share the loot among the team. So you have to balance that, and it works out better to do it as an individual," said Glanville.

So, it is every man or woman for him or her self as the pirates descend up on Sisters Coffee Company Thursday afternoon.