Sharpen yer wits and ready yer keys, mates – The Okmulgee Times Treasure Hunt returns today, and this ol’ pirate smells gold in the air!

Aye, it’s true! Buried not in sand but locked tight in a mighty chest at 320 W. 6th Street, lies a trove of treasure fit for a king – or at least one very lucky Okmulgee adventurer bold enough to best the lock! Think ye have what it takes?

The bounty this year be rich indeed: – $500 in cold, hard doubloons (that’s cash, matey!) courtesy of Able Roofing and Construction, the mighty main sponsor who keeps roofs tight and spirits high!

– A gleamin’ $250 gift card from Windy Chevrolet, perfect for fuelin’ your next voyage.

– And countless more prizes from a fleet of local businesses standin’ ready to reward yer daring!

I’ve hidden me precious keys in specially marked packages scattered across local businesses in Okmulgee, Morris, and Beggs. Seek out the shops flyin’ the Jolly Roger (or at least the key symbol in their newspaper ads), and you just might find one!

When ye claim a key, guard it well. Don’t be breakin’ the seal, or you’ll have to walk the plank (or at least be disqualified, which is nearly as bad).

––– The Chest Beckons Beginning today, you’ll have yer chance. Make yer way to the Okmulgee Times office and try yer luck against the lock that’s confounded many before ye. But mind the rules, lest ye face the wrath of One-Eyed Jack!

– Only one key may be tried at a time.

– Got more than one key? Ye may try again – but you’ll have to go to the back of the line. No cuttin’ in front, or I’ll feed ye to the kraken!

– Keys must be opened fresh, in the office, under the watchful eye of a Times crew member.

– Attempts may only be made during regular hours: Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Ye may also stop by the Okmulgee Times office for one free key per day, and Able Roofing keys are also handed out there aye, they’re worth their weight in gold!

––– No Luck? Fear Not!

If the treasure chest still holds its secrets by Aug. 22, all is not lost. One-Eyed Jack himself will host a second-chance drawing, where every unlucky keyholder still has a shot at takin’ home the loot. A winner will be crowned – by steel or by chance!

But beware! This game’s for grown pirates only – ye must be 18 or older to play. And no funny business – Okmulgee Times employees and their kinfolk can’t win, not even if they’ve sailed with me through the fiercest storms.

––– Gratitude to the Great Sponsors Before I return to me watch atop the treasure chest, I must raise me hat and offer a hearty thank ye to the ones makin’ this year’s hunt possible: – Able Roofing and Construction – me main sponsor and trusted shipwright!

– Windy Chevrolet, fine purveyors of land ships and horsepower!

– And a whole host of local merchants and businesses, too many to name here, but all with hearts of gold and prizes to match! Ye’ll find their names and locations in today’s edition of the Okmulgee Times – so grab a copy and set sail!

––– So What Say Ye? Will you be the one to crack the chest and claim the treasure? Or will you walk away with nothin’ but splinters and envy?

Only one way to find out … Grab yer keys, seek yer fate, and join One-Eyed Jack’s Treasure Hunt!

The treasure awaits. But beware … only the clever, the lucky and the bold shall win it.