What is this?
The Downtown Santa Rosa Puzzle Hunt is a free event presented by the City of Santa Rosa. Teams compete by racing to solve puzzles, with prizes going to the fastest teams. The puzzles are divided into an initial round of approximately 15-20 questions and one metapuzzle that draws on the answers to the initial questions.
When does it happen?
The first annual Downtown Santa Rosa Puzzle Hunt is scheduled for Saturday, April 5, 2008. The contest runs from 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is followed by awards and explanation of solutions starting at 5:00 p.m. Please choose team members who are available at least for the 11:00-4:30 time period as teams must stay together during the hunt. Teams should arrive at Depot Park in Railroad Square between10:00 and 10:30 a.m. to check-in.
Do I have to register to participate?
Yes. The best way to do this is to download a registration form from the web site www.SantaRosaPuzzleHunt.com, complete it and bring it with you on April 5. Please also email us ahead of time at info@firstfridaysantarosa.com with your team name and number of team members so we have an idea of how many people are coming.
You can also register the morning of the event, but we prefer you do it ahead of time.
How many people can be on a team?
Each team consists of 2-6 people. We encourage creative team names and attire, but please keep it family friendly. Teams must stay together for the duration of the event.
How does registration work?
Email us at info@firstfridaysantarosa.com to tell us you are participating and tell us how many people are on your team. Then download a Puzzle Hunt registration form from the web site or register on April 5 prior to the event. If you register the morning of the event, please do so by 10:30 a.m. We’ll need your team info and signatures from each person on your team. Puzzle Hunt starts at 11:00 a.m. at Old Depot Park in Historic Railroad Square.
How much does it cost?
It’s free. Supported this year by the City of Santa Rosa and event sponsors.
Will I get further instructions after I sign up?
You will be given a puzzle packet the morning of the hunt containing the materials you need to participate.
Are there prizes?
There are cash prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place, plus prizes for best team name, best team costume and worst score.
Who is Puzzle Hunt for? Who is allowed to participate?
The Downtown Santa Rosa Puzzle Hunt is for anybody who likes a mental challenge. Knowing a bit about Downtown Santa Rosa helps, as does a natural sense of curiosity. There are no age or residency restrictions.
Can I search on my own?
Sure, but in order to officially participate, you need to be on a team. It’s more fun that way.
What equipment do we need?
Primarily your brain, and a lot of imagination. While all clues are in downtown Santa Rosa, we recommend having a means of transportation, be it bicycles or a car.
Can we get help from outside sources?
You can use friends or strangers that are not participating in the event as reference sources but not to help you solve puzzles. Collaboration between teams will result in disqualification of those involved. You may use the internet, but you really need to be out on the street to find the answers to these questions.
Should I go to the Awards if I know I did badly?
Sure! - You will find out the solutions to the puzzle questions. We’ll be giving prizes for best and also worst scores and recognizing best team name and team attire. It’s also a fun chance to meet fellow Puzzlers with inquiring minds.
What should I do about food and drink?
You are on your own. There are several coffee shops/restaurants near the starting point at Depot Park in Historic Railroad Square. The Awards are held at The Cantina restaurant on Fourth St. just west of Courthouse Square.
Do we have to solve all the puzzles in order?
No, you may solve them in any order you wish.
Who wins?
The winner will be determined by the first team to return to the finish booth at Courthouse Square with all questions completed correctly. Should no team complete all questions correctly by the end time, First Prize will go to the team with the most points. More information is contained in the rules section.
What's the best way to win?
Approach this with a sense of humor. Work on puzzles as a team. Talk amongst your teammates. If you get stuck, move on to another question, you may see something in your travels that suddenly makes sense.
What's the best way to lose?
Giving up and going home. Sometimes the answer will become clear after seeing something else or if you stop thinking about it for a while.
How long do I have to spend hunting for clues?
There is no standard length of time that it should take a team to complete the hunt. Teams may take as much time as needed or desired within the Puzzle Hunt hours (11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). You are not required to hunt the entire time. In fact, you are encouraged to take breaks at any of the great dining/drinking establishments in the Downtown!
What is happening at the Cantina after the hunt is over?
Participants and organizers will gather on the Cantina's patio on Fourth Street in Courthouse Square to review the clues and answers, and to award the prizes. The Krush will also be on site to help with the festivities.
I have a question not covered in this FAQ. Is there someone I can contact?
Inquires about the event can be directed to Lance Walker, Event Coordinator, at info@firstfridaysantarosa.com.