Predig Gig 2001 at McGovern's

Patrick McGovern's

Thought I'd try to give the general flavor of the McGovern's gathering.

There were approximately 50 people in attendance this year, including (hold your breath) Dave Young (DDY), Green, Eags, Eags' friend Vicki, Bob e, Eags' niece (Nut), Emmy and Hannah's Mom and Dad, Tim the Hunter and his dad (Pops), Elizabeth Hanninen (eh) with her hubby (PP) and their 7-month-old son Thomas, Scribe and THX-1138 (who met on the PP boards and were married earlier this month), Jake Inge (who also prepared a treasure hunt Jeopardy game), Downtown Dave, AnnetteB, MJ and TT, a couple of lurkers that haven't posted yet but promise to do so soon, Medallion Stallion and his friend, Marley King and Kelly, Allison, Steve Worthman, Inks and Terry and daughter (of earmuffs fame), Northernlights, leelabell and her hubby, Wright Winger, Tiny Thumbs and 'lectric Duane, and Mr. Med Hunter. (It's always fun to get a little recognition.)

Some medallion-finding celebrities were in attendance, as well. Bill Gralish (a.k.a. the RV guy) was one of the finders of the medallion on 35E and Victoria in 1969, the Davoli's found it at Newell Park last year, and William J. Buron found it with his sister-in-law Andrea (who couldn't make it) in the Bull Durham bag at Mears Park in 1975.

The Pioneer Press gave us t-shirts celebrating the 50th year of the hunt with a map and listing of all the finding places—another terrific collector's item courtesy of our sponsor.

The Pioneer Press also sent someone to film the event who also took some still shots. There have been rumors of some streaming video on the website.

There was the usual flurry to get the clue when that came out and the usual second- and third-guessing and overanalyzing that always occurs.

We also had our buttons ready! We invited the finders to our Rehash Bash on the 4th of February. They have some contact with other finders and will pass the word.

An aside to all this...someone who started working with me in September had a great uncle who passed away this past year. He was the finder of the first treasure in 1952.

As always - it was a great night and the beginning of another great hunt.