Visitors of Lincoln City will now be able to search for treasure 365 days a year.
Finders Keepers, a program where glass floats are hidden along the 7-mile stretch of Oregon Coast, is commemorating its 20th anniversary by extending operations to year-round.
The change went into effect on the first day of the season, Saturday, Oct. 13.
Created in 1999, Finders Keepers was meant to bring people to Lincoln City during the slower winter season. The transition from hiding floats over a few months to year-round marks the most significant change in the program's 20 years.
"Finders Keepers has grown to become Lincoln City’s signature promotion, attracting guests from around the country to hunt for glass treasure on the beach," Eric Johnson, public relations coordinator for Explore Lincoln City, said.
And float-seekers are in for a treat this year.
More than 3,000 numbered floats will be hidden by "Float Fairies" along the coast, stretching from Roads End to Siletz Bay, and can be found above the high tide line and below the beach embankment, according to a press release from Explore Lincoln City.
The "Float Fairies" will also hide an additional 100 glass floats on the beach to celebrate Finders Keepers' opening weekend, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 13-14.
Oh, and that's not all.
In honor of the two-decade milestone, 20 limited-edition floats will be hidden on the 20th of each month from October to September 2019. Each float has been commissioned by glass artists and blown with "extra care."
And, remember, if you find a glass float, it's yours to keep. Make sure to share your find on the Explore Lincoln City's Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
Abby Luschei is the entertainment reporter for the Statesman Journal; she can be reached at aluschei@statesmanjournal.com or 503-399-6747. Follow her on Twitter @abbyluschei or facebook.com/luscheiabby.
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