Help Santa locate his reindeer in Knox County parks

MOUNT VERNON – Help Santa find his nine reindeer across Knox County by taking part in Knox County Parks’ Reindeer in the Parks.

Between now and Dec. 31, participants can find coupons to area stores, scan QR codes and receive coupons to use for holiday shops.

Here’s how it works:

• Upon locating the reindeer, find and scan a QR code to reveal a local business, directions to the business and a coupon to use for holiday shopping. At the business, a new quest begins by scanning another QR code located in the window to reveal a mystery letter. When all of the letters are identified, the player will be able to solve a puzzle of mystery words. Twenty-two stops are highlighted, consisting of parks, trails, river accesses and local businesses. The quest does follow a numerical order and encourages participants to locate the reindeer accordingly. Businesses do not have to be open for participation, as the QR codes are located in the windows for easy accessibility.

• In the spirit of holiday giving, Mrs. Claus asks Reindeer in the Parks participants to consider community outreach. She will be at one of the stops and will direct you to the Millwood Church of Christ. At this location, you are introduced to the “Sharing Shed” and asked to bring a nonperishable item to leave for a donation to the Knox County Food For The Hungry drive. Not only are participants receiving holiday shopping discounts at local businesses, but they are also giving back to the local community.

• After locating Santa’s reindeer and solving the mystery words, participants are asked to submit the completed entries online at knoxcountyparks.org follow the activities link.

• The final step to the quest is to attend the Knox County Park District Fire and Ice event on Dec. 11 from 5 - 8 p.m. at the Wolf Run Regional Park and receive a participation gift compliments of the Knox County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Participant gifts will also be available at alternative locations if you are unable to attend the Fire and Ice event. Refer to the Knox County Park District’s website for further details. This activity will run through Dec. 31.

The Knox County Park District partners with 11 local businesses, Food For The Hungry, Millwood Church of Christ and the Knox County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau to create this recreational activity promoting good health and exercise, support to the community, and the invitation to shop local. For more information and details on the activity, including the required form and google map, visit knoxcountyparks.org and navigate to the “Activities” link.