Amazing race explained
Marion Historical Museum sponsored a competition called Marion's Amazing Race during this year's Chingawassa Days.
Two-member teams had to solve clues to eventually solve the final clue and win the race. They could travel from location to location on foot, bicycle, or vehicle. They also could receive assistance in solving clues or getting to locations from anyone other than a museum board or staff member.
When the teams arrived at the location, they were given a task to complete. Some tasks were completed by one team member, others by both.
When the teams successfully completed their tasks, they received the next clue and progressed in the race. The winners were determined by those who solved the clues and completed the tasks the quickest.
The race began at the museum with nine teams competing. Casey and Nicki Case came in first, followed by Shawn Geis and Ann Carr in second, and Kevin and Chris Costello in third.
So, how well do you know Marion history? Here is a way to find out.
Clue 1: "It is not far for you to begin this race, just up the hill a few steps you will take. Grab your partner and pick up the pace, under the bell tower your next clue awaits."
(South side of Hill School Building, near bell tower)
Both team members were required to return to the museum. One entered the museum while the other remained outside. Only three were allowed in the museum at a time. Teams were instructed to head to the school room and find the year that Carla Stovall Steckline graduated from Marion High School and write the year on a mini-diploma that was provided and give it to a staff member. If the answer was correct (1975), teams were given another clue.
Clue 2: Now you are started but there's no time to rest, head for the building the oldest of its kind. It's been used for funerals, weddings, and potlucks a plenty, say a prayer for the next clue you will find.
(Presbyterian Church)
Both team members had to don choir robes and find the hymn, "Amazing Grace," and sing the third verse. When completed, they received their next clue.
Clue 3: Now you are headed to a place full of stones, some of granite, some marble, and even limestone. Find one that is most interesting of all, it looks like a stone tree standing tall.
(Marion Cemetery)
One team member was instructed to get a piece of paper and a crayon from the cemetery sexton, find the headstone that looks like it has a round ball on top, rub on the paper with the crayon the name of the person whose name appears on the headstone, and return to the tree headstone. If correct, teams received the next clue.
Clue 4: What a wonder, what a sight, look around, the longer you take the other teams will abound. It is time to read, research, or check out a video, the railroad once stopped there and your next clue can be found.
(Marion City Library)
Team members were to take one of the boxes of books and alphabetize them by authors' last names. When in order, teams showed them to the librarian and received the next clue.
Clue 5: The race is almost over so don't mill around, the Marion area had several, one time in its past. The only left is a dam of sorts, on the west side of the bank is where your next clue is stashed.
(Sugar Mill)
In a container, contestants found fishing bobbers. On the bottom of some there were numbers. Members had to find the corresponding number with their team number, and show them to a fisherman to receive the next clue.
6) To the park you must head to complete this great race, now it's off to the finish you must go. Listen to the cheers and wave to the crowd, the race is over at the gazebo.
