Visitors to Midland and Penetanguishene now have one more reason to check out tourist attractions in the area.

A new initiative called the Huronia Scavenger Hunt will offer a prize to one person who visits the Huronia Museum, the Midland murals, Discovery Harbour and other points of interest highlighting francophone and native heritage.

“The scavenger hunt promises an adventure as glimpsed through the memories of our ancestors,” said Matthew Desroches, tourism development co-ordinator at La Clé d’la Baie, the lead agency in the initiative.

Participants are invited to see 10 sites in each of the two towns. Afterward, filling out an online questionnaire based on their self-guided tour qualifies them to win tickets to the entire La Clé d’la Baie cultural season, a $300 value.

The questionnaire is available by clicking the link provided. The contest runs until Oct. 14.
Desroches acknowledged the program is a bit late starting this year, as funding from Heritage Canada only just came through. As a result, the goals for 2008 are modest, with organizers not setting any specific participation targets.

“The goal is to promote French and aboriginal heritage,” said Desroches, adding the intention is to start early in 2009 and see the program gradually increase its reach and impact.

Part of that plan will involve presentations in full historical costume at French schools across Simcoe County.

“Hopefully, that will create a buzz among students and they will bring our pamphlets back to their parents,” said Steve Lapierre, program director for CFRH, another supporter of the initiative. “We’re also working with other tourism partners.”

The Town of Penetanguishene has offered to advertise the scavenger hunt on its website, and will display brochures at town hall and the chamber of commerce office.

Simcoe North MPP Garfield Dunlop, on hand for the program’s official launch Aug. 14, praised the effort.

“I’m hoping this is just the beginning,” he said. “We have so much here to offer.”