The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

Fifty-two businesses in Bridge City are participating in a summer scavenger hunt that can make the winner $500 richer.

The Bridge City Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the contest as a way to introduce more of the public to local businesses and what they offer. Besides the grand prize, a number of the merchants and business services are handing out special gifts to scavenger hunt players who visit them.

Chamber Director Mandy Lyda said the scavenger hunt, which started this week, will run through July 31. "We wanted to give enough time for people to go to all the businesses," she said.

Anyone can participate and there is no age restrictions on winning. "It would be a fun thing for the family to take their kids," Lyda said.

All it takes is to read a clue online and start with that site. Participants can the scan a QR code on their cell phone and then go to the next business for another clue. The person who visits the most businesses at the end of July 31 will win a $500 gift card.

Lyda said if people tie for the most businesses, a drawing of those will be held to determine the final winner.

"Our goal is just to get people into local businesses and see what they have to offer," she said. "People drive by businesses everyday and they often don't know what the businesses are about."

The Bridge City Chamber of Commerce is at 150 West Roundbunch Road. More information on the scavenger hunt and the chamber is available by calling 409-735-5671 during regular business hours of 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, and on Fridays from 8 a.m. to noon.