Staff report

NEWTON FALLS — After more than four months, thousands of miles traveled and participants arriving from across the United States and beyond, the Newton Falls Treasure Hunt is entering its final chapter.

Tom Colosimo, owner of Fieldview Acres Mercantile, said the community-wide treasure hunt has drawn visitors from numerous states and multiple countries, transforming Newton Falls into a destination for treasure hunters, history enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

He said along the way, participants have explored the town’s historic landmarks, supported local businesses and discovered everything Newton Falls has to offer.

Colosimo said the hunt in its final week, with the treasure total at $36,500.

There are two remaining public events.

There will be a question and answer session at 7 p.m. Monday, the evening before the final clue is released, at Five 4’s Distillery, 417 N. Center St.

Colosimo said treasure hunters will have one last opportunity to ask questions about the hunt, discuss the clues and hear the story behind one of Ohio’s largest community treasure hunts. The event will be livestreamed on YouTube by CowLazars, hosts of Seeking Treasure Con, the annual treasure-hunting convention held in Las Vegas.

At noon on Tuesday, the final clue will be released, completing the series of clues that began in March. Treasure hunters are encouraged to gather in Newton Falls as they make their final push toward locating the treasure.

ATTEMPTING HISTORY

In addition to concluding the hunt, organizers will be documenting attendance in an effort to determine whether Newton Falls has attracted enough participants in a single day to pursue recognition from the Guinness Book of World Records for what organizers believe could become a new record category for the largest attendance at a community treasure hunt in a single day.

Participants are encouraged to stop by Fieldview Acres Mercantile, 23 E. Broad St., throughout the day Tuesday to sign the official registration book. The sign-in book will document where participants traveled from and help establish an official attendance count for the event.

Colosimo said additional documentation, including photographs, video and supporting records, also will be collected as part of the potential Guinness World Records submission.

“Whether the treasure is discovered immediately on Tuesday or the search continues beyond that day, the release of the final clue marks the beginning of the hunt’s final chapter and the culmination of a project that has brought visitors from across the country to Newton Falls,” Colosimo said.