Staff report

The Newton Falls America250 Treasure Hunt has grown to $36,400 in cash, gold, silver, coins and collectibles.

Event organizer Thomas Colosimo of Fieldview Acres Mercantile said the treasure continues to grow as additional sponsors and supporters contribute to the prize pool.

The 10th and final clue will be released at noon July 7.

Once the 10 clues are interpreted, they will lead hunters to a final note and key that reveal the treasure’s location.

He said since launching the event earlier this year, the treasure hunt has drawn participants from around the world, including visitors from Japan, Germany, Italy and Canada.

“Thousands of treasure hunters have traveled to Newton Falls to explore the community, visit local businesses, dine at local restaurants, stay in area lodging, and search for the growing treasure,” Colosimo said.

He said for the final clue release, several nationally known treasure-hunting teams are expected to be in attendance.

“These ‘super teams’ regularly travel the country participating in major treasure hunts and are often composed of engineers, scientists, researchers and other highly analytical problem-solvers,” Colosimo said. “Some participants include individuals with backgrounds at organizations such as NASA and other technical fields.”

Also expected to attend is the host of Seeking Treasure Con, the annual treasure-hunting conference held in Las Vegas, Nevada. Organizers and attendees from the conference will not only be covering the event but will also be participating in the hunt.

Colosimo said that because of the success and interest of the treasure hunt he has been invited to speak at Seeking Treasure Con in Las Vegas next February.

Colosimo said when planning began, the goal was never simply to hide a treasure. “The goal was to bring visitors to Newton Falls, support local businesses and showcase the community to people who otherwise may never have discovered it,” he said. “Since the launch of the hunt, local businesses have reported increased traffic and sales, and the downtown district has experienced a renewed sense of optimism.

“Conversations that once centered on business closures have largely been replaced by discussions about growth and opportunity. Organizers have also heard from prospective business owners who are now exploring opportunities to open businesses in Newton Falls, creating increased interest in available downtown storefronts.”

He said the project has created opportunities for individuals and small businesses throughout the area to participate in and benefit from the increased tourism.

Colosimo said home-based entrepreneurs and local creators have also benefited from the influx of visitors by producing and selling treasure hunt-themed merchandise.

“This hunt was created to bring people into Newton Falls and help support our local businesses,” Colosimo said. “The response has exceeded every expectation.”

Organizers have already begun planning for next year’s hunt and hope to make it even larger. Several individuals and businesses have already expressed interest in contributing to the 2027 prize pool, with some donations already pledged, Colosimo said.