The full set of 14 wooden nickels available to be found in the geocaching activity. The Westfield 350 nickel in the center is not a part of the collection. (Image submitted)
WESTFIELD – The Westfield 350 geocache event went live this week, and enthusiasts are already combing the city looking for treasure.
Organizer Dave Flaherty said he had planned to hide the cache – commemorative Westfield 350 wooden nickels – earlier, but Mother Nature did not cooperate.
“I wanted to wait for the rain to slow and the ground to dry out,” Flaherty said.
How the event works is a little different than a traditional geocache, said Flaherty. The caches are not difficult to find, however some are “hidden” off the beaten path, while others are in plain sight.
There are 14 caches across the city, which are ammo boxes with a Westfield 350 sticker on top. Inside are one of 14 wooden nickels. Each numbered nickel features the Westfield 350 logo on one side and a sponsor logo or Westfield image – such as the iconic Black Squirrel graphic created by city artist Susan Buffum – on the flip side. There is also information on the historic nature of each location.
Flaherty said collectors who are not able to participate in the geocache event can purchase a set of nickels for $10, and for serious collectors who want a set with matching serial numbers, the cost is $20. The nickel sets will be available to purchase at The Westfield News, along with commemorative mugs. The proceeds of those items benefit Westfield Boy Scouts.
“Since we started later than we planned, the Westfield 350 geocache will run through Father’s Day,” Flaherty said.
Flaherty noted that in addition to being collectible, some of the wooden nickels have added value.
If you show your Buggy Whip nickel at Munchy’s on North Elm Street, you will receive $1 off your $10 bill. The Buggy Whip will also earn you the same discount at Northside Creamery. The Tavern will give a $1 discount for both the Buggy Whip and Black Squirrel nickels.
If you bring your Yellow Stonehouse Farm nickel to the farm, you will receive a free, limited edition reusable bag. And the East Mountain Country Club nickel will earn the presenter $10 off greens fees.
All nickel discounts expire Dec. 31, 2019.
For more information, visit westfield350.org. The cache locations are listed on the site, but in the form of a word scramble.
