DJJD Horseshoe Hunt

Defeat of Jesse James Days Horseshoe Hunt chairman and cluemaster Tim Freeland is set to launch the 2013 hunt on Monday. (Submitted photo)


It’s time again for the Defeat of Jesse James Days Horseshoe Hunt, and the 2013 version promises to be as exciting as last year’s.

The annual event kicks off Monday when chairman and cluemaster Tim Freeland releases the first clue. Clues will be released each day at 7 a.m. through Aug. 31.

You can find the clues on the Northfield News website (www.northfieldnews.com) at 7 a.m. each morning until the shoe is found. Clues also will be read live on KYMN Radio.

Freeland says in order to receive the big payout — $900 again this year — should you be the lucky person to find the horseshoe, you will need to register your button at www.djjd.org up to midnight of the day prior. This is the second year for new rule.

“I’m really looking forward to this year’s hunt due to a number of factors. The volume of hunters is at an all time high and I expect larger groups of friends and families out and about hunting this coming week,” Freeland said. “The pot is at $900 again for a winner with a registered button. This is due to the cash donations from Mr. JST Technology Consulting, KYMN Radio, Bursch Travel and Professional Pride Realty.”

Freeland urges people to read the rules and guidelines at djjd.org as there may or may not be a hidden clue there. Remember, he said, that you must stay off private property, be safe when out in the community and be sure to register before Monday or you’ll only collect $150 as a consolation prize.

To help find the horseshoe, Freeland also reminds folks to watch the djjd.org webpage and the Facebook page specific to the hunt ... https://www.facebook.com/horseshoehunt.

Longtime Northfield resident Jenny Riley and her family found the horseshoe last year and collected the $900 because her button was registered.

Here are the official rules from the djjd.org website:

• You must register your button prior to the first day of the hunt (Midnight the day prior) to receive the full $900 grand prize. If you fail to register and do find the horseshoe, you can claim the $150 consolation prize.

• Members of the DJJD Committee, Northfield News, KYMN and their immediate family are not eligible to win as clues will be posted online, announced on air and found in print no later than 7a.m. each day.

• The winner must be 18 years old or older. In past years whole families join together to work out clues and search for the horseshoe. This is acceptable as long as an adult is supervising the search and able to represent the family if found.

• The horseshoe will be located on public property within Northfield and will not be buried. No digging will be necessary in the retrieval of the horseshoe.

• Should any damage to property occur while they are retrieving the horseshoe, the winner will forfeit all prize money.

• The DJJD Committee is not responsible for any personal injury incurred hunting for or retrieving the horseshoe.

• When the horseshoe is found, the winner must immediately notify Tim Freeland (tim@djjd.org OR 507-581-5038). Tim will arrange to meet you and confirm the shoe’s authenticity. You must be present at the DJJD Committee meeting at 7 p.m. on Sept. 3 at Jesse James Lanes to receive your check.

• There is no cost for this event and it is not a button event (although you do need to register a button to claim the full prize).

• If you win, you must agree to be publicly named along with the possibility of an on-air radio interview, your photo and name(s) on various local websites and a picture and write up in the paper.

• If the horseshoe goes unfound by 5 p.m. on Sept. 3, the hunt will officially end for the year.

Reach Managing Editor Jerry Smith at 645-1136, or follow him on Twitter.com 

Copyright 2013 Northfield News.