Treasure Hunt Rules

1952 Treasure Hunt Rules - The First Treasure Hunt

Anyone is eligible to join the thrilling hunt for $1000 in King Boreas' Treasure Chest except employees of the St. Paul Dispatch-Pioneer Press and their families.
The first clue will be published on Sunday, January 27th in the Carnival Souvenir Edition of the Sunday Pioneer Press. Successive clues will appear twice daily - each different and more revealing - one in the morning Pioneer Press and the other in the evening Dispatch. The final clue will be published in the Dispatch on Saturday, February 2nd.
The finder of the certificate in King Boreas' Treasure Chest may exchange it for $1000 in cash by presenting it at the Dispatch Building, 55 East Fourth Street, St. Paul, Minnesota.
The finder is eligible for an addition $100 prize from Saintpaulites, Inc. if they are wearing a Winter Carnival button at the time of the find.

1979 Treasure Hunt Rules - The only hunt to go outside of Ramsey County

Anyone is eligible to join the hunt for the King Boreas Treasure Medallion except the employees of the St. Paul Dispatch-Pioneer Press and member of their families or households.
The first clue will be published Sunday, January 28, 1979 in the Winter Carnival Souvenir Edition of the Sunday Pioneer Press. The second clue will be published in the morning Pioneer Press January 29 and the third clue that sam afternoon in the Dispatch with two new clues daily with the exception of Saturday when there is only one newspaper published.
It is not necessary to purchase copies of the St. Paul Dispatch Pioneer Press to obtain clues. Copies are open to free public inspection in the circulation department of the Dispatch Pioneer Press building, 55 East Fourth St., St. Paul, Minnesota 55101.
The finder of the King Boreas Treasure Medallion may exchange it for $1000 by presenting it at the Dispatch Pioneer Press Building, 55 East Fourth St., St. Paul, Minnesota 55101.
An additional award of $1500 will be presented to the finder of the Treasure Medallion if he or she is the registered owner of a 1979 Winter Carnival button or has a FREE registration card in the Winter Carnival office on or before 5 pm, January 27, 1979. If the finder registers his or her button or card after 5 pm, January 27, 1979, the additonal award will be $500.
If the Treasure Medallion is not found by midnight SATURDAY, February 3, 1979, the Dispatch Pioneer Press reserves the right to terminate the hunt and turn over the $1000 to charity.

You may be wondering why I have included the rules from 1979. Well, I wanted to see if the boundaries (ie Ramsey County) were specified for this hunt or why this hunt was so unique. What I found out is that the boundaries were often not included in the rules in previous years. When time allows I will spend some time finding out when Ramsey County was written into the rules for the first time.

1999 Treasure Hunt Rules - First $10,000 Prize

Clues for the Treasure Hunt will be published daily in the Pioneer Press January 24th through Thursday, February 4th, or until the medallion is found.
The medallion is always hidden on public land in Ramsey County. The newspaper reserves the right to discontinue the hunt at any time if public property is destroyed.
The person who finds the medallion must immediately return it to the Pioneer Press, 345 Cedar Street, St. Paul to qualify for the initial $5,000 prize.
The Pioneer Press will award the finder an additional $5,000 if he or she is also a registered 1999 Winter Carnival Button owner who has mailed an official entry form to the Winter Carnival office. Official entry forms must be postmarked by January 28th.
If the medallion is not found by midnight February 4th, the Pioneer Press reserves the right to terminate the hunt and donate the initial $5,000 to a local charity.
No purchase is necessary to win. All contest rules and decisions are final. Employees and immediate family members of the Pioneer Press and the St. Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation are not eligible to win.

The 1999 treasure hunt had a $10,000 prize in honor of the 150th anniversary of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

2000 Treasure Hunt Rules - Clue Clipping Begins

Treasure Hunt clues will be published in the Pioneer Press beginning Sunday, January 23. A new clue will appear daily through Thursday, February 3rd, unless the medallion is found prior to that date.
The finder of the Pioneer Press Treasure Hunt medallion must immediately return the medallion to the Pioneer Press, 345 Cedar Street, St. Paul, to qualify for the $2,500 initial prize. An additional $2,500 will be awarded for clipping out the new daily clues from the Pioneer Press and providing them with the found medallion.
The Pioneer Press will also award an additional $5,000 to the finder if he/she is a registered 2000 Winter Carnival Button owner and has mailed an official entry form postmarked by January 27, 2000 to the Winter Carnival office.
If the Pioneer Press Treasure Hunt medallion is not found by midnight, Thursday, February 3, 2000, the Pioneer Press reserves the right to terminate the hunt and donate the prize to a local charity.
The Pioneer Press Treasure Hunt medallion is always hidden on public land in Ramsey County. The Pioneer Press reserves the right to discontinue the hunt at any time if public property is destroyed.
No purchase is necessary to win. All contest rules and decisions are final. Employees and immediate family members of the Pioneer Press and the Saint Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation are not eligible.

The most noticeable change for this year is the $2,500 prize for turning in the newspaper clippings of the new clues. This year's prize is $10,000 in celebration of the Millenium.

2002 Treasure Hunt Rules - Cub gift cards

Treasure Hunt clues will be published in the Pioneer Press on the front of the local section beginning Sunday, January 20, 2002. A new clue will publish daily through Thursday, January 31, 2002, unless the medallion is found prior to that date.
Read the clues to search for the Pioneer Press medallion hidden on public land in Ramsey County.
If you find the Pioneer Press medallion immediately return it to the Pioneer Press, 345 Cedar Street, St. Paul, to qualify for the $2,500 initial cash prize and $1,200 of groceries from Cub (one $100 Cub gift card per month for 12 months). Win an additional $2,500 for bringing in all of the published daily clues from the Pioneer Press and providing them with the found medallion.
The Pioneer Press will also award an additional $5,000 to the finder if he/she is a registered 2002 Winter Carnival Button owner and has mailed an official entry form postmarked by January 20, 2002, to the Winter Carnival office.
At the end of the 2002 Treasure Hunt, Pioneer Press Treasure Hunters have the opportunity to take the published clues to Twin Cities Cub Foods Stores for a chance to win a $500 or a $300 Gift Card from Cub. Clues and entry information must be dropped off at any Twin Cities Cub by February 14, 2002. A random drawing will be held on Friday, February 15 and the winners will be notified by phone.
If the Pioneer Press Treasure Hunt medallion is not found by midnight on Thursday, January 31, 2002, the Pioneer Press reserves the right to terminate the hunt and donate the prize to a local charity.
The Pioneer Press reserves the right to discontinue the hunt at any time if public property is destroyed.
The Winners agree that Pioneer Press, Supervalu, and their respective affiliate companies, parents, subsidiaries, advertising representatives, and agents will have no liability whatsoever, and will be held harmless by winner of any injuries, losses or damages of any kind resulting in whole or in part, directly or indirectly from acceptance, possession, misuse or use of the prize or participation in this contest.
Except where legally prohibited by accepting prize, winner grants permission for Pioneer Press and it's partners, and those acting under it's authority to use his or her name, photograph, voice and/or likeness for advertising and/or publicity.
No purchase is necessary to win. Photo copies, handwritten and/or online printouts of the published clues will be accepted. All contest rules and decisions are final. Employees and immediate family members of Knight Ridder, Supervalu, Hormel, Saint Paul Heritage Foundation and their partners are not eligible.
For a list of winners write to Market Development, 345 Cedar Street, St. Paul, MN 55101.

The most noticeable change for 2002 is the addition of $1,200 in Cub gift cards and the $500 and $300 Gift Card drawings. Thanks to the new sponsor, Cub Foods.

2003 Treasure Hunt Rules

Treasure Hunt clues will be published in the Pioneer Press on the front of the local section beginning Sunday, January 19, 2003. A new clue will publish daily through Thursday, January 30, 2003 unless the medallion is found prior to that date. Read the daily clues to search for the Pioneer Press medallion hidden on public land in Ramsey County.
If you find the Pioneer Press medallion immediately return it to the Pioneer Press, 345 Cedar Street, St. Paul, to qualify for the $2,500 initial cash prize, two round trip airfares to Hawaii and $2,000 hotel voucher(Blackout dates apply), and $1,200 of groceries (one $100 Twin Cities Cub Gift Certificate per month for 12 months). Win an additional $2,500 for bringing in all of the published daily clues from the Pioneer Press and providing them along with the found medallion.
The Pioneer Press will also award an additional $5,000 to the finder if he/she is a registered 2003 Winter Carnival Button owner and has mailed an official entry form postmarked by January 19, 2003, to the Winter Carnival office.
If the Pioneer Press Treasure Hunt medallion is not found by midnight on Thursday, January 30, 2003, the Pioneer Press reserves the right to terminate the Hunt and donate the prize to a local charity.
The Pioneer Press reserves the right to discontinue the hunt at any time if public property is destroyed.
All contestants agree that the Pioneer Press, Cub Foods, MLT Worry-Free Vacations and their respective affiliate companies, parents, subsidiaries, advertising representatives, and agents will have no liability whatsoever, and will be held harmless by contestants of any injuries, losses or damages of any kind resulting in whole or in part, directly or indirectly from acceptance, possession, misuse or use of the prizes or participation in this contest.
Except where legally prohibited by accepting prize, winner grants permission for Pioneer Press and it's partners, and those acting under it's authority to use his or her name, photograph, voice and/or likeness for advertising and/or publicity.
At the end of the 2003 Treasure Hunt, Pioneer Press Treasure Hunters may take the published clues to Twin Cities Cub Foods stores for a chance to win a $500 or a $300 Gift Certificate from Cub. Clues and entry information must be dropped off at a Twin Cities Cub by February 7, 2003. A random drawing will be held on Friday, February 14,2003 and the winners will be notified by phone.
No purchase is necessary to win. Photo copies, handwritten and/or online printouts of the published clues will be accepted. All contest rules and decisions are final. Employees and immediate family members of Knight Ridder, all contest sponsors and partners, and the Saint Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation are not eligible.
For a list of winners write to Market Development, 345 Cedar Street, St. Paul, MN 55101.

The most noticeable change for this year is the addition of the vacation to Hawaii and the hotel voucher. Thanks to the new sponsor, MLT Worry-Free Vacations.

2004 Treasure Hunt Rules

Treasure Hunt clues will be published in the Pioneer Press on the front of the Local section beginning Sunday, Jan. 25.
A new clue will be published daily through Thursday, Feb. 5, unless the medallion is found before that date.
Read the daily clues to search for the Pioneer Press medallion hidden on public land in Ramsey County. The medallion will not be found on the state Capitol grounds or a golf course or at Como Zoo or Harriet Island.
If you find the Pioneer Press medallion, immediately return it to the Pioneer Press, 345 Cedar St., St. Paul, to qualify for the $2,500 initial cash prize and $1,200 of groceries (one $100 Twin Cities Cub Foods Gift Certificate per month for 12 months). Win an additional $2,500 by bringing in all the published daily clues from the Pioneer Press and providing them along with the found medallion.
The Pioneer Press also will award an additional $5,000 to the finder if he/she is a registered 2004 Winter Carnival Button owner and has mailed an official entry form postmarked by Saturday, Jan. 24, to the Winter Carnival office.
If the Pioneer Press Treasure Hunt medallion is not found by 11:59 p.m. Feb. 5, the Pioneer Press reserves the right to terminate the hunt and donate the prize to a local charity.
The Pioneer Press reserves the right to discontinue the hunt at any time if public property is destroyed.
All contestants agree that the Pioneer Press, Cub Foods and their respective affiliate companies, parents, subsidiaries, advertising representatives and agents will have no liability whatsoever and will be held harmless by contestants of any injuries, losses or damages of any kind resulting in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from acceptance, possession, misuse or use of the prizes or participation in this contest.
Except where legally prohibited, by accepting the prize, the winner grants permission for the Pioneer Press and its partners and those acting under its authority to use his or her name, photograph, voice and/or likeness for advertising and/or publicity.
At the end of the 2004 Treasure Hunt, Pioneer Press treasure hunters may take the published clues to any participating Twin Cities Cub Foods stores for a chance to win a $500 or $300 gift certificate from Cub. Clues and entry information must be dropped off at participating Twin Cities Cub stores by Friday, Feb. 13. A random drawing will be held on Friday, Feb. 20, and winners will be notified by phone.
No purchase is necessary to win. Photo copies, handwritten and/or online printouts of the published clues will be accepted. All contest rules and decisions are final. Employees and immediate family members of Knight Ridder, all contest sponsors and partners, and the St. Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation are not eligible.
For a list of winners, write to Market Development, 345 Cedar St., St. Paul, MN 55101, or visit TwinCities.com.

Only minor noticeable changes for this year. The vacation from MLT Worry-Free Vacations is no longer in the prize package and the state Capitol grounds, any golf course, Como Zoo and Harriet Island have been eliminated from the search for the medallion.

2005 Treasure Hunt Rules

Treasure Hunt clues will be published in the Pioneer Press on the front of the Local section beginning Sunday, January 23, 2005 paper. A new clue will publish daily through Thursday, February 3, 2005 unless the medallion is found prior to that date. Read the daily clues to search for the Pioneer Press medallion hidden on public land in Ramsey County. The medallion will not be found on the State Capitol grounds, on a golf course, Como Zoo, at Harriet Island or at any construction site.
If you find the Pioneer Press medallion, immediately return it to the Pioneer Press, 345 Cedar St., St. Paul, to qualify for the $2,500 initial cash prize, $1,200 of groceries (one $100 Twin Cities Cub Foods Gift Certificate per month for 12 months) and trip to Mexico (blackout dates and some restrictions may apply). Win an additional $2,500 by bringing in all the published daily clues from the Pioneer Press and providing them along with the found medallion.
The Pioneer Press also will award an additional $5,000 to the finder if he/she is a registered 2005 Winter Carnival Button owner and has mailed an official entry form postmarked by Saturday, January 22, 2005 to the Winter Carnival office.
If the Pioneer Press Treasure Hunt medallion is not found by 11:59 p.m. February 3, 2005, the Pioneer Press reserves the right to terminate the hunt and donate the prize to a local charity.
The Pioneer Press reserves the right to discontinue the hunt at any time if public property is destroyed.
All contestants agree that the Knight Ridder, Cub Foods, MLT Worry Free Vacations, all other contest partners and their respective affiliate companies, parents, subsidiaries, advertising representatives and agents will have no liability whatsoever, and will be held harmless by contestants of any injuries, losses or damages of any kind resulting in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from acceptance, possession, misuse or use of the prizes or participation in this contest.
Except where legally prohibited, by accepting the prize, the winner grants permission for the Pioneer Press and its partners and those acting under its authority to use his or her name, photograph, voice and/or likeness for advertising and/or publicity.
At the end of the 2005 Treasure Hunt, Pioneer Press Treasure Hunters may take the published clues to any participating Twin Cities Cub Foods stores for a chance to win a $500 or $300 Gift Certificate from Cub. Clues and entry information must be dropped off at participating Twin Cities Cub Stores by Friday, February 11, 2005. A random drawing will be held on Friday, February 18, 2005 and winners will be notified by phone.
No purchase is necessary to win. Photo copies, handwritten and/or online printouts of the published clues will be accepted. All contest rules and decisions are final. Employees and immediate family members of Knight Ridder, all contest sponsors and partners, and the St. Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation are not eligible.
For a list of winners, write to Market Development, 345 Cedar St., St. Paul, MN 55101, or visit TwinCities.com.

Only minor noticeable changes again this year. MLT Worry-Free Vacations is once again a sponsor and has provided a Mexican vacation as part of the prize package. The State Capitol grounds, any golf course, Como Zoo and Harriet Island have been eliminated from the search again this year with the addition of "Any Construction Site".

2006 Treasure Hunt Rules

Treasure Hunt clues will be published in the Pioneer Press on the front of the Local section beginning in the Sunday, January 22, 2006 paper.
A new clue will publish daily through Thursday, February 2, 2006 unless the medallion is found prior to that date. Read the daily clues to search for the Pioneer Press medallion hidden on public land in Ramsey County. The medallion will not be found on the State Capitol grounds, on a golf course, Como Zoo, Harriet Island or any construction site.
If you find the Pioneer Press medallion, immediately return it to the Pioneer Press, 345 Cedar St., St. Paul, to qualify for the $2,500 initial cash prize and $1,200 of groceries (one $100 Twin Cities Cub Foods Gift Certificate per month for 12 months). Win an additional $2,500 by bringing in all of the published daily clues from the Pioneer Press and providing them along with the found medallion.
The Pioneer Press will also award an additional $5,000 to the finder if he/she is a registered 2006 Winter Carnival Button owner and has mailed an official entry form postmarked by Saturday, January 21, 2006 to the Winter Carnival office.
If the Pioneer Press Treasure Hunt medallion is not found by 11:59 pm February 2, 2006, the Pioneer Press reserves the right to terminate the Hunt and donate the prize to a local charity.
The Pioneer Press reserves the right to discontinue the Hunt at any time if public property is destroyed.
All contestants agree that the Knight Ridder, Cub Foods, and their respective affiliate companies, parents, subsidiaries, advertising representatives and agents will have no liability whatsoever, and will be held harmless by contestants of any injuries, losses or damages of any kind resulting in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from acceptance, possession, misuse or use of the prizes or participation in this contest.
Except where legally prohibited, by accepting the prize, the winner grants permission for the Pioneer Press, its partners and those acting under its authority to use his or her name, photograph, voice and/or likeness for advertising and/or publicity.
At the end of the 2006 Treasure Hunt, Pioneer Press Treasure Hunters may take the published clues to any participating Twin Cities Cub Foods store for a chance to win a $500 or $300 Gift Certificate from Cub. Clues and entry information must be dropped off at participating Twin Cities Cub Stores by Friday, February 10, 2006. A random drawing will be held on Friday, February 17, 2006 and winners will be notified by phone.
No purchase is necessary to win. Published clues or online printouts of the published clues will be accepted. All contest rules and decisions are final. Employees and immediate family members of Knight Ridder, all contest sponsors and partners, and the St. Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation are not eligible.
For a list of winners, write to Market Development, 345 Cedar St., St. Paul, MN 55101, or visit TwinCities.com.

Only minor noticeable changes for this year. The vacation from MLT Worry-Free Vacations is no longer in the prize package and it looks like photo copies and handwritten clues will no longer be accepted..

2007 Treasure Hunt Rules

Treasure Hunt clues will be published in the Pioneer Press beginning Sunday, Jan. 21, 2007.
A new clue will publish daily through Thursday, Feb. 1, 2007, unless the medallion is found prior to that date. Read the daily clues to search for the Pioneer Press medallion hidden on public land in Ramsey County. The medallion will not be found on the State Capitol grounds, on a golf course, Como Zoo & Conservatory, Harriet Island or any construction site.
If you find the Pioneer Press medallion, immediately return it to the Pioneer Press, 345 Cedar St., St. Paul, to qualify for the $2,500 initial cash prize and $1,200 of groceries (one $100 Twin Cities Cub Gift Certificate per month for 12 months). Win an additional $2,500 for bringing in all of the published daily clues from the Pioneer Press and providing them along with the found medallion.
The Pioneer Press will also award an additional $5,000 to the finder if he/she is a registered 2007 Winter Carnival Button owner and has mailed an official entry form postmarked by Saturday, Jan. 20, 2007, to the Winter Carnival office.
If the Pioneer Press Treasure Hunt medallion is not found by 11:59 pm Thursday, Feb. 1, 2007, the Pioneer Press reserves the right to terminate the Hunt and donate the prize to a local charity.
The Pioneer Press reserves the right to discontinue the Hunt at any time if public property is destroyed.
Contestants under the age of 18 must have the permission of a parent or legal guardian to participate in the Hunt.
The winner will be required to execute and return a Certificate of Eligibility and General Release form within 14 days of notification. If the winner is under the age of 18, the Certificate must be signed by his or her parent or legal guardian. Non-compliance may result in disqualification. Any income tax liability is the sole responsibility of the winner.
All contestants agree that Pioneer Press, TwinCities.com, Cub Foods, and their respective affiliate companies, parents, subsidiaries, advertising representatives and agents will have no liability whatsoever, and will be held harmless by contestants of any injuries, losses or damages of any kind resulting in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from acceptance, possession, misuse or use of the prizes or participation in this contest.
Except where legally prohibited, by accepting prize, winner grants permission for Pioneer Press, its partners, and those acting under its authority to use his or her name, photograph, voice and/or likeness for advertising and/or publicity without compensation.
At the end of the 2007 Treasure Hunt, Treasure Hunters may take the published clues to any participating Twin Cities area Cub Foods store for a chance to win a $500 or a $300 Gift Certificate from Cub Foods. Clues and entry information must be dropped off at participating Cub Foods by Friday, Feb. 9, 2007. A random drawing will be held on Friday, Feb. 16, 2007, and winners will be notified by phone.
No purchase is necessary to win. Photo copies or online printouts from TwinCities.com of the published clues will be accepted. All contest rules and decisions are final. Employees and immediate family members of Pioneer Press, TwinCities.com, the St. Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation and all contest partners are not eligible.
For a list of winners, write to: Pioneer Press Market Development, 345 Cedar St., St. Paul, MN 55101.

It looks like photocopies are accepted again. The "Certificate of Eligibility" and "General Release" are new this year. If the winner is a minor they will need their parents or legal guardians signature on the "Certificate of Eligibility" and will also need their parents or legal guardians permission to join in the hunt.

I'd assume that the new rules are a result of last years winners being minors and some tax loopholes that were present in prior years.

Just a note about button registration. The booklet that is attached to your Winter Carnival button states that the registration deadline is Monday, January 22nd and the Official Rules at twincities.com has the deadline as being postmarked by Saturday, January 20th.

2008 Treasure Hunt Rules

Treasure Hunt clues will be published in the Pioneer Press beginning Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008.
A new clue will publish daily through Thursday, Jan. 31, 2008, unless the medallion is found prior to that date. Read the daily clues to search for the Pioneer Press medallion hidden on public land in Ramsey County. The medallion will not be found on the State Capitol grounds, at the Como Zoo and Conservatory, under any skating surface, on a golf course, under artificial turf, or at any construction site.
If you find the Pioneer Press medallion, promptly return it to the Pioneer Press, 345 Cedar St., St. Paul, to qualify for the $2,500 initial cash prize and $1,200 of groceries (one $100 Twin Cities Cub Gift Certificate per month for 12 months). Win an additional $2,500 for bringing in all of the published daily clues from the Pioneer Press and providing them along with the found medallion.
The Pioneer Press will also award an additional $5,000 to the finder if he/she is a registered 2008 Winter Carnival Button owner and has mailed an official entry form postmarked by Monday, Jan. 21, 2008, to the Winter Carnival office.
If the Pioneer Press Treasure Hunt medallion is not found by 11:59 pm Thursday, Jan. 31, 2008, the Pioneer Press reserves the right to terminate the Hunt and donate the prize to a local charity.
The Pioneer Press reserves the right to discontinue the Hunt at any time if public property is destroyed.
Individuals under the age of 18 must have the permission of a parent or legal guardian to participate in the Hunt.
The winner will be required to execute and return a Certificate of Eligibility and General Release form within 24 hours of notifying the paper that the medallion has been found. If the winner is under the age of 18, the Certificate must be signed by his or her parent or legal guardian. Non-compliance may result in disqualification. Any income tax liability is the sole responsibility of the winner.
All participants agree that the Pioneer Press, TwinCities.com, Cub Foods, and their respective affiliate companies, parents, subsidiaries, advertising representatives and agents will have no liability whatsoever, and will be held harmless by participants for any injuries, losses or damages of any kind resulting in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from acceptance, possession, misuse or use of the prizes or participation in this contest.
Except where legally prohibited, by accepting prize, winner grants permission for the Pioneer Press, its partners, and those acting under its authority to use his or her name, photograph, voice and/or likeness for advertising and/or publicity without compensation.
At the end of the 2008 Treasure Hunt, Treasure Hunters may take the published (clipped from the paper or printed from TwinCities.com) clues to any participating Twin Cities area Cub Foods store for a chance to win a $500 or a $300 Gift Certificate from Cub Foods. Clues and entry information must be dropped off at participating Cub Foods by Friday, Feb. 8, 2008. A random drawing will be held on Friday, Feb. 15, 2008, and winners will be notified by phone.
No purchase is necessary to win. Photo copies or online printouts from TwinCities.com of the published clues will be accepted. All contest rules and decisions are final. Employees and immediate family members of Pioneer Press, TwinCities.com, the St. Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation and all contest partners are not eligible.
For a list of winners, write to: Pioneer Press Market Development, 345 Cedar St., St. Paul, MN 55101.

It looks like Harriet Island came back into play again this year and they've added "under any skating surface" and "under artificial turf" to the rules. .

Just enough minor changes to the rules to keep a person guessing where they might hide it this year.

Just a note about button registration. The rules state that the official entry form needs to be postmarked and does mention the online registration at all. I will check in with the Pioneer Press and get claification on whether or not the online registration is legit.

2009 Treasure Hunt Rules - This year's Hunt

Treasure Hunt clues will be published in the Pioneer Press and on TwinCities.com beginning Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009.
A new clue will appear daily through Thursday, Jan. 29, 2009, unless the medallion is found prior to that date. Read the daily clues to search for the Pioneer Press medallion hidden on public land in Ramsey County. The medallion will not be hidden on the State Capitol grounds, at Como Zoo & Conservatory, under any skating surface, on a golf course, under artificial turf, or at any construction site.
If you find the Pioneer Press medallion, promptly return it to the Pioneer Press, 345 Cedar St., St. Paul, to qualify for the $2,500 initial cash prize and $1,200 of groceries (one $100 Twin Cities Cub Gift Certificate per month for 12 months). Win an additional $2,500 for bringing in all of the published daily clues, clipped or copied from the Pioneer Press or from TwinCities.com, and providing them along with the found medallion.
The Pioneer Press will also award an additional $5,000 to the finder if he/she is a registered 2009 Winter Carnival Button owner and has mailed an official entry form postmarked by Saturday, Jan. 17, 2009, to the Winter Carnival office.
If the Pioneer Press Treasure Hunt medallion is not found by 11:59 pm Thursday, Jan. 29, 2009, the Pioneer Press reserves the right to terminate the Hunt and donate the prize to a local charity.
The Pioneer Press reserves the right to discontinue the Hunt at any time if public property is destroyed.
Individuals under the age of 18 must have the permission of a parent or legal guardian to participate in the Hunt.
The winner will be required to execute and return a Certificate of Eligibility and General Release form within 24 hours of notifying the paper that the medallion has been found. If the winner is under the age of 18, the Certificate must be signed by his or her parent or legal guardian. Non-compliance may result in disqualification. Any income tax liability is the sole responsibility of the winner.
All participants agree that the Pioneer Press, TwinCities.com, Cub Foods, and their respective affiliate companies, parents, subsidiaries, advertising representatives and agents will have no liability whatsoever, and will be held harmless by participants for any injuries, losses or damages of any kind resulting in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from acceptance, possession, misuse or use of the prizes or participation in this contest.
Except where legally prohibited, by accepting prize, winner grants permission for the Pioneer Press, its partners, and those acting under its authority to use his or her name, photograph, voice and/or likeness for advertising and/or publicity without compensation.
At the end of the 2009 Treasure Hunt, Treasure Hunters may take the published (clipped from the paper or printed from TwinCities.com) clues to any participating Twin Cities area Cub Foods store for a chance to win a $500 or a $300 Gift Certificate from Cub Foods. Clues and entry information must be dropped off at participating Cub Foods by Friday, Feb. 6, 2009. A random drawing will be held on Friday, Feb. 13, 2009, and winners will be notified by phone.
No purchase is necessary to win. Photo copies or online printouts from TwinCities.com of the published clues will be accepted. All contest rules and decisions are final. Employees and immediate family members of Pioneer Press, TwinCities.com, the St. Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation and all contest partners are not eligible.
For a list of winners, write to: Pioneer Press Market Development, 345 Cedar St., St. Paul, MN 55101.

Only a few very small wording changes to the rules this year. They are so minor that most people wouldn't even notice.

Just a note about button registration. The rules state that the official entry form needs to be postmarked and does mention the online registration at all. Last year, I checked with the Pioneer Press after this same thing happened and they had no problems accepting the online registrations. I assume that it was just an oversight again this year and you shouldn't have to worry if you registered online. If you want to be sure that there is not a loophole that will disqualify you from the full prize, you might want to mail in your registration card.

Most Notable Rules Changes through the Years.

They now tell you in the rules that you DO NOT need to destroy public property and that the treasure is hidden in Ramsey County. Back when the treasure hunt first started, these were not in the rules but were usually given to you in the first couple of clues.
From 1952 to 1990 there were two clues per day; one in the AM edition of the Pioneer Press and one in the PM edition of the Dispatch. Now, there is only one clue published per day for twelve days.
The organization called Saintpaulites, Inc. organized the Winter Carnival in 1952 and the Winter Carnival is now organized by the Saint Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation.
The prize money started out as $1100 in 1952, grew to $4000 in the early 1990's and has expanded to $10,000 in 1999 and 2000.
The bonus prize for having a registered Winter Carnival button was paid by the organization that sponsored the Winter Carnival until 1998. All prize money is now awarded by the St. Paul Pioneer Press.