Jennifer Smith and her daughter claimed one of the three Greater Moorhead Days medallions in 2022. Photo/Moorhead Parks Department.

The most hotly pursued contest of Greater Moorhead Days – the annual Medallion Hunt – kicks off Monday, Sept. 11.

At 8 a.m., the first clue will be unveiled on three radio stations, including Big 98.7, Bob 95FM and The Fox 107.9 FM. It will also be shared at www.GreaterMoorheadDays.com.

Medallion seekers will get additional clues on each of the next mornings at 8 a.m. until the three customized 2023 medals turn up in the hands of lucky searchers.

Recreation coordinator Josie Gereszek, who formulated the clues for the first time, offers one essential tip: Each of the three medallions will be hidden within Moorhead’s city limits on public land. None will be found on private property.

Substantial prizes accrue to those who turn up each of the three ribboned medals. First prize, signified by the first-place medallion on a green ribbon, is $1,000 in gift cards contributed by Hornbacher’s. Solutions Behavioral Healthcare Professionals donated the $500 in cash that will go to the second-place winner who finds the red medallion. The searcher who turns up the third-place medallion with its yellow ribbon receives a package of prizes donated by local businesses and organizations that’s valued at $500 or more.