Registration Now Open For Wakefield ‘Shop Local’ Scavenger Hunt

WAKEFIELD, MA — Registration is now open for a planned scavenger hunt in Wakefield aimed at highlighting local businesses.

Set for Sept. 17, the free event will run from 9:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. The hunt will launch from the Lower Town Common across from Town Hall, sending teams of between two and six players out with a card full of clues which they will use to navigate to various locations in town and perform challenges.

The competition will include both a traditional category and a green category that asks participants to navigate the route only using green transportation methods such as bikes or scooters. First, second and third place scavenger hunt winners will each get prizes, as will teams winning "best team spirit" and "top finishing green team" awards.

The hunt will happen rain or shine. Teams can register in advance online or in-person on the day of the hunt beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the Lower Town Common.

The scavenger hunt prizes are supported by the Wakefield Lynnfield Chamber of Commerce.

The larger scavenger hunt program, in turn, is part of a “Shop Local” campaign that the town is running thanks to a $45,000 Travel and Tourism Recovery Grant from the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism.

READ: Wakefield Wins Tourism Grant, Plans 'Shop Local' Campaign

Community and Economic Development Director Erin Kokinda announced the grant in a presentation to the Town Council earlier this month. In addition to the Sept. 17 scavenger hunt, the town has worked with the firm Kevin York Communications to develop a series of video testimonials from residents discussing why they love Wakefield.

The town is planning to share those videos online and use paid promotion to expand their reach.

In the meantime, signs are already popping up around Lake Quannapowitt with information about Wakefield and its business community. Those signs aim to help attract the many people who visit Wakefield to enjoy the lake toward other destinations in town.

“The signs are being used to give an eye-catching reminder that we have more than the lake to enjoy here in Wakefield and encourage visitors to grab coffee, breakfast, or lunch or visit one of our many excellent independent retail businesses,” a recent press release discussing these programs said.

“Together, the components of this broader initiative are designed to reinforce the thinking that Wakefield has everything you need within your reach,” that statement continued. “It’s a sentiment that many in Wakefield share, and the Town hopes to expand that awareness throughout Wakefield and beyond.”

Learn more about the upcoming Wakefield scavenger hunt and see online registration options here.