The Full Story
Official Rules, Terms & Conditions, Liability Waiver and Photo Release
Participation & Eligibility By registering for or participating in The Grinch Stole Clearwater Beach Scavenger Hunt, participants agree to follow all event rules, instructions, and guidelines. Participants under 18 must have permission from a parent or legal guardian and must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Participants must register and pay the applicable entry fee before participating. Participants will compete in teams of up to six people. (Minimum of 2 people). All team members must be registered participants and wear their wristband at all times. Participants are responsible for their own transportation, personal belongings, and expenses unless otherwise specified. Event organizers reserve the right to refuse participation or disqualify individuals who violate event rules or engage in unsafe or inappropriate behavior.
Event Schedule & Game Rules The scavenger hunt officially takes place on Saturday, December 5, 2026. New missions will be released through the official scavenger hunt app at: 9:00 AM 12:00 PM 3:00 PM 5:00 PM Participants must use the official app to view missions, submit answers, upload photos or videos, and earn points. Game Rules: Teams must complete missions according to the instructions provided. Photos and videos must be original and taken during the event unless a mission specifically states otherwise. Participants may not submit fake, altered, AI-generated, or previously taken photos or videos as proof of completing a mission. Team members must appear in photos or videos when required by mission instructions. Teams must respect all participating businesses, employees, residents, visitors, and other teams. Participants may not enter restricted areas, trespass, damage property, or interfere with business operations. Cheating, harassment, dangerous behavior, or intentionally disrupting another team may result in immediate disqualification. Event organizers have final authority over mission completion, point awards, penalties, and disqualifications.
Prizes & Winners Participants will compete for prizes awarded based on points earned through completed missions. Points are awarded according to each mission's instructions. Bonus points may be available through special activities, including the Friday evening launch cruise. All submissions are subject to verification by event organizers. It is very imporant that everyone wear their wristbands to earn points. Fraudulent submissions or rule violations may result in loss of points or disqualification. In the event of a tie, event organizers will apply a predetermined tiebreaker announced before competition begins. Prizes are nontransferable and may not be exchanged for cash unless expressly stated. Winners are responsible for any applicable taxes. Winners may be required to verify eligibility and sign a prize acknowledgment before receiving prizes. Event organizers reserve the right to correct scoring errors and investigate disputed submissions. Prizes will available for pick up at The Tropics Ticket Booth on Monday, Dec. 7th. Valid ID that matches the team participant required.
Safety & Personal Responsibility Safety comes first! No mission or prize is worth risking your safety or the safety of others. Participants agree to: Obey all traffic laws, pedestrian signals, and local regulations. Use designated crosswalks and sidewalks whenever available. Never run into traffic, enter dangerous waters, or participate in unsafe activities. Respect beach rules, wildlife, private property, and public spaces. Follow all instructions from law enforcement, event staff, and participating businesses. Obtain permission before photographing, filming, or involving members of the public in missions. Avoid activities that may cause injury, property damage, or public disturbances. Participants must not operate a vehicle, bicycle, or other transportation while distracted by the scavenger hunt app. Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol is not required to participate in any mission. Participants who choose to consume alcohol must be at least 21 years old and are responsible for complying with all applicable laws. Drinking and driving, public intoxication, and unsafe conduct are strictly prohibited.
Photo, Video & Media Release By participating in the event and agreeing to this release, adult participants grant the event organizers, The Tropics Boat Tours, Holiday in Lights Campaign, participating sponsors, and their authorized representatives permission to photograph, film, record, and use their name, image, likeness, voice, and event participation. These materials may be used for lawful promotional and marketing purposes, including: Social media posts and videos Websites and event promotions Television, newspapers, and other media coverage Advertising and marketing materials Future scavenger hunts and Holiday in Lights events Sponsor recognition and event recap videos Participants grant this permission without additional compensation, notification, or approval of the finished materials. This release applies to event photography, recordings, and content voluntarily submitted through the scavenger hunt app. Participants agree that they will obtain appropriate permission from individuals appearing in photos or videos they submit. Submission of content does not automatically grant organizers publicity rights from third parties who have not consented. For participants under 18, a parent or legal guardian must separately consent to the use of the minor's name, image, likeness, and voice.
Assumption of Risk & Liability Waiver Participation in this scavenger hunt involves walking, outdoor activities, travel between locations, interaction with the public, and other activities that may involve risks. Participants voluntarily accept the ordinary and foreseeable risks associated with participation, including slips, falls, weather conditions, traffic, crowded areas, and other potential hazards. To the fullest extent permitted by Florida law, adult participants agree to release and hold harmless the event organizers, The Tropics Boat Tours, Holiday in Lights Campaign, participating sponsors, affiliated businesses, volunteers, employees, and representatives from claims arising from ordinary negligence in connection with event participation. This waiver does not apply to claims that cannot legally be waived, including conduct for which liability cannot be released under applicable law. Parents or legal guardians must complete any required separate minor participation waiver. A parent's acceptance of these terms does not automatically establish an enforceable release of a minor's claims.
Friday Sunset Launch Cruise Participants registered for the Friday, December 4, 2026, sunset launch cruise must follow all safety instructions issued by the vessel's captain and crew. Boarding is subject to vessel capacity and operational requirements. Participants must follow all posted and announced vessel safety rules. The captain has final authority over vessel operations and passenger safety. The cruise may be delayed, modified, or canceled due to weather, mechanical issues, or safety concerns. Any separate cruise ticketing terms and liability waivers remain applicable.
Weather, Changes & Cancellation This event is planned to take place outdoors. Event organizers reserve the right to modify missions, schedules, locations, prizes, or event activities due to weather, safety concerns, operational issues, or circumstances beyond their reasonable control. Any applicable cancellation or refund policy will be communicated during registration. No provision of these terms limits refund rights required by law.
Technology & App Usage Participants are responsible for having a compatible smartphone, internet access, and sufficient battery life to complete missions. Event organizers are not responsible for individual device failures, cellular service interruptions, or other technical problems beyond their reasonable control. Organizers may make reasonable adjustments to ensure fair competition if widespread technical difficulties occur.
Code of Conduct This event is intended to be fun, festive, family-friendly, and supportive of Clearwater Beach businesses. Participants agree to demonstrate good sportsmanship, treat others respectfully, and represent the event positively. Threatening behavior, harassment, discrimination, vandalism, theft, or other unlawful conduct may result in disqualification without a refund, subject to applicable law.
Acceptance of Terms By selecting the agreement checkbox during registration, adult participants acknowledge that they have read, understand, and agree to these Official Rules, Terms & Conditions, Liability Waiver, and Photo Release. A parent or legal guardian must provide the required consents and acknowledgments for a minor participant. Let's have some Grinchy fun, spread holiday cheer, and see who can steal the biggest prizes on Clearwater Beach!