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Scavenger race enlivens downtown Wheeling

ON THE HUNT — Members of “Real Love” pose for a photo. The team participated Saturday in Challenge Wheeling, a fundraiser scavenger race organized by Youth Services System. -- Alec Berry

WHEELING — When the city closed off a block of 14th Street on Saturday, it did it so adults could don costumes, dance to Top 40 fare and sprint in opposite directions at the sign of a go-ahead.

Those who participated in Youth Services System’s Challenge Wheeling scavenger race made downtown their playground. About 100 people participated this year and collectively raised funds to fill gaps that federal and foundation grants won’t cover. Tammy Kruse, director of development for the nonprofit, said the event that exudes an old city’s attempt to feel young again was successful.

The race functioned how it might sound. Teams received large, yellow envelopes containing scavenger clues — some of them dependent upon a knowledge of local history — and they raced to various downtown locations while documenting their finds. Cash prizes were awarded to the top three performers.

“If you’re older than some of the buildings, it’s a lot easier,” said Ron Klug, an 80-year old participant.

Klug belonged to the team “Big Kahuna in Little Wheeling.” Its six members displayed the team’s identity by sporting classic floral shirts, leis and a few sun hats.

To be a winner in this competition, the team agreed that one must keep some sort of calm, even though the impatience of a race will insist haste is the proper means. It’s important that participants take their time, team members said.

“Work smarter, not harder,” said Amanda Whitehead, a Kahuna team member.

Kruse stood on the curb with a microphone and gathered all the players right before the bell. Team leaders circled up and held their envelopes above their heads. A woman in a shark outfit kept losing her line of sight behind the loose costume fabric falling into her face.

Some unrecognizable song lent the moment a light buzz.

It wasn’t hot yet, which is something Kruse had hoped for by starting everything at about 10 a.m. The heat would come on later in the day.

At least it got hot for everybody running around while they were searching for whatever it was that would justify this experience — such as something that would further explain the flamboyant clothing and the closing of a city block.

(Berry can be contacted at aberry@theintelligencer.net)

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