OAKLAND — It’s more than a game. It’s an homage to Oakland as the area’s best detectives take part in the third annual Treasure Hunt on Oct. 29 to solve clues, sharpen strategy skills and learn about the history and landmarks that make this city great.

Competitors has the task of solving the most clues in the shortest time, taking treasure hunters to sites in Lake Merritt, Old Oakland, City Center and Uptown. The answers to clues are all around in historical plaques, public art and iconic landmarks.

Treasure hunters will begin at City Hall at 1 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza to uncover a plaque to the right of the building’s entry marked as Landmark No. 28, which describes its history as Oakland’s fifth City Hall and was nicknamed “Mayor Mott’s wedding cake” because of its three­-tiered design.

Winners will be selected in four categories: expert, novice, family and student. Prizes also awarded to teams with the most creative costumes and group names. Winning teams receive

gift certificates to Oakland restaurants and gifts donated by local businesses.

Proceeds from the event support Game Theory Academy, an Oakland­-based nonprofit that equips young people with strategic decision making skills and creates job opportunities through the West Oakland Wood (WOW) Farm. Founded in 2009, GTA serves 300 youth annually in Oakland and Richmond.

The event is open to all. Tickets cost $25 until Oct. 1, when the price increases to $30.

The 2016 Oakland Treasure Hunt early bird sponsors include Hanson Bridgett LLP, Ruth Stroup Farmers Insurance, MB Jessee Painting Services, 4505 Meats, Lake Merritt Dental, UP

Partners, Julie Gardner Grubb Realtor, Montclair Orthodontics, Mr. Espresso, Douglas Parking, Interstate Roofing and Solar, Sustainvest Asset Management, and Sutro Li Financial Services.

— Patricia Johnson

FYI

What: Oakland Treasure Hunt

When: 1 p.m. Saturday, October 29

Where: Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Broadway and 14th Street, Oakland

Tickets: http://huntoak2016.eventbrite.com

Social media: #HuntOakland / @Hunt_Oakland / @gametheoryacad

Information: oaklandtreasurehunt.com

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