Nikole Babb
nbabb@cherryroad.com

Gold Fest kicked off celebrating the City of El Dorado over the last week will several key events such as the 10K, 5K, 1K races, Miss El Dorado pageant and the coveted Medallion Hunt.

Each year during Gold Fest a Medallion Hunt is prepared with mind twisting clues leading to the secret hiding spot of the “gold” medallion. Each medallion is unique to its year.

This year, Kayla Thomas was coined as finding the medallion on September 24, just three days into the hunt.

The medallion was hidden underneath the double slide at South Summit Park; a pocket park located at Summit and Locust.

All clues and their explanations are below.

Clue #1: No conquistador ever found this prize, Yet still it gleams beneath our skies. Where golden dreams gave birth to name, Begin your quest in whispered fame.

This clue refers to the myth of El Dorado and the city’s name origin.

Clue #2: Not on the path where many tread, But near the green where branches spread. A resting spot the daylight knows, Yet secrets wait where evening grows.

The clue refers to the lesser-known park.

Clue #3: Where laughter lingers in the air, And tiny feet dance with care. A guardian stands with arms out wide, Its spine of steel, its heart a slide.

The clue refers to a playground structure.

Clue #4: Seek not the heights of stone or snow, But where the southern breezes blow. A summit stands with roots, not rock Its name deceives, its gates unlock.

This clue refers to South Summit Park.

Clue #5: You’ve read the signs, you’ve walked the line, Now seek the slop where joy aligns. In Southward ground where echoes bide, The medallion waits beneath the slide.

This clue confirms South Summit Park and the underside of a slide.