Find the medallion in Sugar Grive, win a prize

Bob Carroll works behinds the scenes but he may become known as the man behind the medallion.

Carroll retired and moved to Sugar Grove from Morton just over three years ago to be close to family.

Last year, he facilitated a medallion hunt for the village's 50th anniversary celebration in September. He had experience working on treasure hunts for the pumpkin festival in Morton and for the Pekin marigold festival.

This year he is recreating the corn medallion hunt for this year's Sugar Grove Corn Boil, which is July 25 to 27.

Several clues have been posted on the village of Sugar Grove Website, the Sugar Grove Public Library Website and at www.sugargrovecornboil.org. New clues appear every Thursday.

Residents are invited to use the clues to find the medallion. The successful sleuth can present it at opening corn boil ceremonies July 25 in Volunteer Park and win the treasure.

"I start out with very vague clues and then get more specific," Carroll said. "Last year, my first clue defined the boundaries of Sugar Grove Township. The clues are meant to be educational."

As you might guess, Carroll works on a shoe string budget and his resourcefulness not only saved money but got a local talent involved.

"I called the high school (Kaneland High School) and the art teacher selected a senior art student to paint the wooden medallion."

Christine Crites, now a graduate, painted the official corn boil logo on one side of the wooden medallion (2ˆ¼ inch in diameter) that Carroll bought at a hobby store.

Last year's winner received $50 in presidential gold coins.

Speaking with Carroll is a reminder that the fun of the hunt and the value of the prize can be measured in more than dollars. The medallion treasure hunt can give the community a shared experience, like the corn boil itself.

It has also been a very meaningful enterprise for Carroll. He has been through three bouts of cancer and recent lung surgery and maintains a positive attitude.

"I still have a lot to do," he said.

Join the hunt. So far we know this: The medallion has been hidden somewhere within the Sugar Grove area and it is not on private, residential, industrial, commercial or retail property. Nor is it in a church, a cemetery or on a golf course. Recovery will not require any special tools.

Get ready for the 4th: Lineup for the Sugar Grove Fourth of July bike parade with JoJo and the Town Clowns will be at 12:30 p.m. and the parade begins at 1 p.m. in the John Shields Elementary School parking lot on Main Street.

Families are invited to join in with bikes, scooters and strollers decorated in red, white and blue.