Double The Prizes Up For Grabs In This Year's 'Be You' Rock Hunt

ST. CHARLES, IL — The hunt will soon be on again in St. Charles.

The fourth annual "Be You" rock hunt will return to St. Charles this week. Starting at 9 a.m. on Friday, the St. Charles Business Alliance's rock hunt will officially begin and this year there will be double the rocks to hunt and double the prizes, said Nicholas Lowe, marketing content coordinator for the St. Charles Business Alliance.

"This year, we increased the number of rocks from 10 to 20 due to the popularity of this event. Everyone who finds a rock will get a prize," he told Patch in an email response.

The prizes can vary, and include different gift cards from local St. Charles Businesses. The first participant to turn in a rock will win a special grand prize that is valued at $150. The remaining 19 prizes all have a value of $30 or more.

During the event, participants can search for a “Be You” rock hidden in downtown St. Charles between 5th Street and 5th Avenue, according to a news release from the St. Charles Business Alliance.

Participants who have found one of the rocks will be able to redeem it at the St. Charles Municipal Building, 2 E. Main St., St. Charles, between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The event will continue until all the rocks are located. Updates on when the hunt concludes, or the status of the number of remaining rocks can be found on the St. Charles Business Alliance’s Facebook and Instagram @stcalliance. Only one rock may be submitted per person.

The painted “Be You” rocks can be found anywhere outside in downtown St. Charles.

The event, which began in September 2021, has seen more and more participation each year.

"Participation in the past has been excellent, and we see that being the case this year, as well. This event is for everyone – regardless of age," Lowe said. "It’s exciting to see individuals on the hunt right when the event begins. Feedback from the public has been positive, as it’s a great way to get outside to participate in a fun, end-of-summer event."

To find more information on the event, you can visit www.stcalliance.org/beyourockhunt. For further inquiries, please contact the St. Charles Business Alliance at 630-443-3967.