FTF on Feb 29? No, on Feb 30th (3-2) Event Cache

Ever wonder what the First-To-Find (FTF) fuss is about? Come and ask those that are FTF addicted.

6th Feb 29 event. The 5 prior events were:
2018: FTF on Feb 29? No, on Feb 38th (3/10)
2017: FTF on Feb 29? No, Just FTF Prizes & 2016 Results
2016: FTF on Feb 29. How did this year's experiment do?
2015: FTF on Feb 29 this year? No, it falls on 3/1 AGAIN
2014: FTF on Feb 29 this year? No, it falls on March 1st

Time left until next Feb 29 FTF experiment scramble

See RAFFLE PRIZES below

WHERE?:
Fuddruckers, Club House Loft (Upstairs seating. Overflow will be in the general seating downstairs)
Willows Shopping Center
1975 Diamond Blvd # E260
Concord, CA 94520

WHEN?:
1:30 PM – 5:00 PM, Saturday, March 2nd, 2019. PLEASE DO NOT ARRIVE UPSTAIRS BEFORE 1:30 PM
1:30 PM – 3:45 PM: Registration & Check-in
. . . Sign the event log
. . . Pickup attendee packet (1 per person) which includes:
. . . . . Event Timeline
. . . . . 1 RED TICKET for REGULAR RAFFLE PRIZES
. . . . . 1 BLUE TICKET for FTF RAFFLE PRIZES
. . . . . REGULAR RAFFLE instructions
. . . . . FTF RAFFLE instructions
. . . . . List of FTF RAFFLE PRIZES
. . . . . KCSearcher's Blackout Bingo Mixer game sheet
. . . . . Discount Coupons
. . . Pickup pre-ordered NAME TAGS / BADGES or fill out a name tag
. . . Pickup pre-ordered CAR WINDOW PLACARD
1:30 PM – 3:30 PM: Game - KCSearcher's Blackout Bingo Mixer (one entry per person)
. . . There will be at least 2 cachers that qualify for each square
. . . Extra BLUE TICKET(s) for completing the Blackout Bingo sheet:
. . . . . 8 for the 1st person to complete it
. . . . . 4 for the 2nd person to complete it
. . . . . 2 for the 3rd person to complete it
. . . . . 1 for all others completing it
1:30 PM - 3:15 PM: Attendees deliver REGULAR RAFFLE PRIZE donations, earn extra BLUE TICKET(s)
2:15 PM - 3:45 PM: REGULAR RAFFLE. See REGULAR RAFFLEinstructions.
3:45 PM - 3:55 PM: Announcements, Awards, & drawing for 5 FTFs on the event itself
3:55 PM - 4:50 PM: FTF RAFFLE. See FTF RAFFLE instructions.
4:50 PMish – LAST PRIZE will be a nearby FTF for all those that attend
. . . Yes, you must go with the group and sign the log.
. . . Coordinates and Hint will be handed out as you leave the event.
5:00 PM – Event Ends

WHO CAN ATTEND?:
Any current or future Geocacher of any age.
OR, anyone wanting to know more about Geocaching.
OR, anyone wanting to be bored by people talking about Geocaching (my geowidow is in this category).

WHO'S PROVIDING THE FOOD & DRINK?:
Each attendee is responsible for purchasing / bringing their own food and drink.

WHO'S PROVIDING THE NAME TAGS / BADGES?:
Fritz (a.k.a. ByeTheWay) will create a very nice name badge for you. To request a name badge, click here KCSearcher and send Ken an email with your Geocaching Name, Real First Name and City of Residence for each person attending either alone or in a group (limit 2 Name Tags per Real First Name). Ken will track the order here and will make sure it gets forwarded to Fritz.
All orders after Noon on 2/27/2019 WILL NOT get processed.
Examples: (FYI, Fritz had nothing to do with the hand written red Geowidow. That was Mr. KCSearcher's addition to Mrs. KCSearcher's badge)

WHO'S PROVIDING THE CAR WINDOW PLACARDS?:
Ken (a.k.a. KCSearcher) will create a very nice placard for you to hang on your car's visor. NOTE, you must post a "Will Attend" log to have one made!!! To request a car window placard, click here KCSearcher and send Ken an email with your Real Name, Geocaching Name, Your Email Address, Your Mobile Phone #, and Emergency Contact Phone # for each vehicle (limit 2 per Geocaching Name). Ken will track the order here.
All orders after Noon on 2/27/2019 WILL NOT get processed.
Example:

WHAT ABOUT Trackables?:
Yes, bring them. Place them. Discovery them. Retrieve them.
There will be a large container for all to share. There will be a "Place" and "Retrieve" log also.
Please record your Username and Tracking Code for each one you Place and/or Retrieve.
I don't want any to go missing as a result of my event. Hate when that happens.

WHO'S ELIGIBLE FOR RAFFLE PRIZES?:
1. Every person that attends will be given one REGULAR RAFFLE PRIZE (RED TICKET) . See the REGULAR RAFFLE PRIZE section below for a list of some of those prizes.
2. Every person that attends will be given one FTF RAFFLE PRIZE (BLUE TICKET) for a chance to win one of the 30+ Pre-Publication Caches. See the FTF RAFFLE PRIZES - NEW CACHES FOR PRE-PUBLICATION FTF RUNS section below for a complete list of those caches.

NOTE: A cacher name can win only one pre-publication FTF prize.

3. For each donated quality raffle prize, you get at least one more BLUE TICKET for one of the pre-publication FTF caches. See the "quality REGULAR RAFFLE PRIZE" definition below.
4. The more BLUE TICKETS you have, the better your odds of winning an FTF RAFFLE PRIZE. The BLUE TICKETS will be given out based on the following:
. . . 1 ticket per person when registering
. . . 5 tickets for each reviewer approved pre-publication FTF cache
. . . 8 tickets for the 1st person to complete KCSearcher's Blackout Bingo
. . . 4 tickets for the 2nd person to complete KCSearcher's Blackout Bingo
. . . 2 tickets for the 3rd person to complete KCSearcher's Blackout Bingo
. . . 1 ticket for all others completing KCSearcher's Blackout Bingo
. . . 1 ticket per person for each donated quality REGULAR RAFFLE PRIZE which is generally defined as:
. . . . . * 1 regular or 1 large camoed container with log ready to hide
. . . . . * 3 small camoed containers with log ready to hide
. . . . . * 5 micro or 5 nano containers with log ready to hide
. . . . . * pack of 20 logs (any size) ready to place in a container
. . . . . * an unregistered (a.k.a. unactivated) trackable
. . . . . * a Tool Of The Trade (TOTT)
. . . . . * a Gift Certificate valued at least $10
. . . . . * an article of apparel, geocaching themed
. . . . . * a geocaching related publication
. . . . . * any other geocaching item valued at $10 or more

REGULAR RAFFLE instructions (RED TICKET):
NOTE: This year, the REGULAR RAFFLE numbers will NOT BE CALLED OUT. You will have assigned times between 2:15 PM and 3:45 PM to come to the REGULAR RAFFLE prize area to choose a prize.
Before the REGULAR RAFFLE begins at 2:15 PM, check your RED TICKET number (last 3 digits) and compare it to the REGULAR RAFFLE number list (in you attendee packet) to determine what time you can go to the REGULAR RAFFLE prize area.
. . . * When it’s your assigned time, go to the REGULAR RAFFLE prize area.
. . . * Surrender your ticket to the REGULAR raffle prize coordinator.
. . . * Quickly choose your prize and return to your seat.

REGULAR RAFFLE PRIZES:

Regular Raffle Prize Suppliers
as of 2019-02-02 @ 8:45 AM
Contact	Web Site
KCSearcher
JSQuack
we4fullers
David Rives
Quincie Barton
Magnus
Clyde England
w01f
KarenLona
BerkeleyBoomers
Mimzy100
MammaCa$$
Sarah
... more coming

Memberships:
as of 2019-01-07 @ 1:55 AM
Qty	Description	Web Site
3	"One-Year Premium Membership Gift Certificate" to Geocaching.com
1	"Premium Membership Gift Card - 12 Month" to Geocaching.com
2	"365 Day Membership Gift Certificate Coupon" to Project-GC
	... more coming

Gift Certificates / Discount Coupons
as of 2019-01-15 1:50 PM
Qty	Description	Web Site
2	"$25 Gift Certificate" for shop.geocaching.com"
1	"Fully Paid Registered Version of GSAK (Geocaching Swiss Army Knife). Includes a 2-hour session with KCSearcher on how to setup and use basic GSAK functions.
1	"For current/future users of GSAK, a 2-hour session with KCSearcher on how to setup and use basic Geocaching Swiss Army Knife functions."	GSAK Home
1	"For current/future users of Google Earth, a 2-hour session with KCSearcher on how to setup and use basic Google Earth and Google Map features to assist in planning geocaching adventures"	Google Earth and Google Maps
150+	"drive Cache Closet 15% off discount coupons, offer good 2/29/2019 until 5/29/2019. Good toward purchase of products."
	... more coming

Trackables (all Unregistered)
as of 2019-02-02 @ 8:45 AM
Qty	Description	Web Site
1	"FTF Micro Geocoin"
2	"Trackable Tag"
2	"Generic Travel Bug"
1	"2000 Find Achievement Geocoin" and pin with stand
1	"7000 Find Achievement Geocoin" and pin with stand
1	"9000 Find Achievement Geocoin" and pin with stand
1	"of the 7Deadlyducks" attached to a rubber ducky
13	"Brown Ammo Can" Travel Bugs
1	"Geocaching HQ Geotour - Este Front Ridiculus" Geocoin
1	"CoinsAndPins.Com Promotional" Geocoin
1	"Denver 2016 Geowoodstock Geocoin" - Orange Glow
1	"Diana Disgust" - Emotion Travel Tag
7	Miscellaneous Trackables	see Log for w01f items
1	"Steampunk (rooster)" Geocoin
	... more coming

Tools of the Trade (TOTT)
as of 2019-01-22 @ 1:35 PM
Qty	Description	Web Site
1	Pik Stik Telescopic Reaching Arm (30-44")
1	SODIAL(R) Invisible Ink Pen with UV Light
1	LE Ultra Violet LED Flashlight/Blacklight
2	Rolls of camo Duck Tape
1	Grabber, Rigid, 32"
1	Grabber, Flexible, 24"
1	Marplot UV light
2	Travel Bug Buddy (not trackable), aluminum
1	Travel Bug Skins, plastic, 5 pack
2	Miscellaneous Tools of the Trade (TOTT)	see Log for w01f items
	... more coming

Containers
as of 2019-01-24 @ 6:55 PM
Qty	Description	Web Site
1	Ammo Can, 7" x 6" x 12", New, Metal, Green
1	Ammo Can, 23" x 6" x 14", New, Metal, Green
1	Bison Tube, Small, Silver
1	Bison Tube, Small, Gold
1	Bison Tube, Small, Green
1	Bison Tube, Small, Red
1	Bison Tube, Small, Blue
1	Bison Tube, Small, Black
1	Bison Tube, Medium, Green
7	HAK (Hide-A-Key), Magnetic, Rectangular, Black
3	HAK (Hide-A-Key), Fake Rock
1	HAK (Hide-A-Key), Fake Sprinkler Head
2	Mr. Bill, 6” Tall, Bendable, Poseable
1	Generic Geocache
1	2-pack, Nanos, Camoed
3	50 mL Centrifuge Tubes
2	Magnetic Key Holder - Master Lock
2	2-pack, Bison Tubes, Small, One Blue & One Gold. Blue and Gold Cub Scout Packs
4	Nanos, Magnetic, camoed
13	35mm film cannisters, White
8	35mm film cannisters, Black
10	Bison Tubes, Chubby, Black
1	Bison Tube, Texas Size Jumbo Squatty, Forest Camo
1	Bison Tube, Utility
5	Waterproof Match Stick Tube, Green
8	EDC Gear Waterproof Shockproof Plastic Battery Storage Box Container Case
1	Ammo Can, 50-caliber, 7" x 6" x 12", Painted, Metal, Green, with GC.com label
1	Hanging Nano Cache, silver, 2 pack
1	Nano Cache, silver, 2 pack
1	Micro Ammo Can v.3, 1" x 1" x 1 5/8", Metal, Green
1	Bison Tube Groundspeak Micro Cache, 2" height x 0.75" diameter, Metal, Green
2	Miscellaneous Containers	see Log for w01f items
9	Gelato Sized
1	Small Birdhouse with Bison	see Log for Mimzy100 item
	... more coming

Blank Logs
as of 2019-01-07 9:40 AM
Qty	Description	Web Site
1	3-1/2” wide logs, 5 pack
1	Nano logs, 4 pack
1	1 1/2" x 11" waterproof logs, 5 pack
2	Nano Cache Replacement Logs, 4 pack
	... more coming

FTF RAFFLE instructions (BLUE TICKET):
Before the FTF RAFFLE begins at 3:55 PM, decide on your top 5 choices of FTF RAFFLE PRIZES and write down by PRIZE #s. You will need this if your BLUE TICKET number (last 3 digits) is called.

NOTE: A cacher name can win only one pre-publication FTF prize.

Starting at 3:55 PM, a BLUE TICKET number (last 3 digits) will be called every minute and written on the white board.
If your BLUE TICKET number (last 3 digits) is called, go to the FTF RAFFLE prize area, present your ticket, and give the FTF raffle prize coordinator your geocaching name.
. . . * Next, tell them up to 5 PRIZE # choices you want (see above).
. . . * If one of the PRIZE #’s are available, you will be given one envelope containing the cache details.
. . . * If none of your choices are available, one will be selected for you.
. . . . . * (You have the option to accept it or not.)
. . . * Return to your seat.

FTF RAFFLE PRIZES - NEW CACHES FOR PRE-PUBLICATION FTF RUNS:
(all within 55 miles of the event):

FOR POSSIBLE DISCUSSION AT THE EVENT:
First of all, this event is a celebration of February 29. Have some fun and take a look at 29 fun things to do on leap day. Of course, we all know about #29.
I LOVED this when I saw it the first time: The Geocaching Junkie “The 10 Types of Geocacher” HUGE THANKS to Sarah Murphy for her clever and creative writing skills.
Of the 10 counts against me, here’s how I plead:
On count #1, Guilty - of course, except that I share as many as practical. When a potentially disagreeable and tense situation threatens to erupt over who gets to claim the FTF, consider verbal de-escalation techniques. Really, no aggression is necessary or called for!!!
On count #2, Guilty - love stats no matter how meaningless.
On count #3, Guilty - mostly when an FTF is involved.
On count #4, Not Guilty - what's a map? what's a compass?
On count #5, Guilty - only of a misdemeanor.
On count #6, Guilty - again, only of a misdemeanor. My Caching Karma is above 2.0, what's yours?
On count #7, Guilty - I only committed this offense 3 times (and it was exhausting). There will be people at this event the will have committed multiple felonies.
On count #8, Not Guilty - Break the rules? Me?!?!?!
On count #9, Guilty - Have done this a few times.
On count #10, WAY Not Guilty - However, my geowidow IS GUILTY, especially the “…looking tired and bored” part.
From the Geocache Tribune: The FTF Code of Honor. I agree with these for the most part. Sharing is a good thing, as long as it minimizes damage to the person doing the sharing. IMHO, that’s always the case with FTF’s.

Here are some of my favorite FTFs:

And of course: KCSearcher's Feb29 Experiment RESULTS See KCSearcher's Feb29 2012 #01 Experiment cache page for details.

Please feel free to add your favorite links when you post your log.

RESULTS based on logs posted thru 3/4/2016 (FTF validation trips completed):

Cachers getting more than 1 FTF in the series on 2/29 (count - who):
7 - Shark Z
6 - GeoTabG (at an event in Walnut Creek we attended, he told me “It’s like eating potato chips. You can’t stop with just one“
4 - Dalphin
4 - BIG BEAR.
4 - Blackknight9
4 - Storyhaven
2 - Budzdunwerkin
2 - LewisClan77
2 - lindyfind
2 - skwirlqueen (but she offered to rectifiy the situation with her log on “KCSearcher's Feb29 2016 #B12 Experiment” )
2 - Virgojams
2 - where2next?

Cachers exemplifying the sharing spirit:
1 - whtabtbob, AF6PU, RV CREW, CShare, hydnsekr on “KCSearcher's Feb29 2016 #A08 Experiment”

Hypothesis observations have been put forward (and I think they have a point after seeing 12 cachers find more than 1):
dkata's log
alveragiro's log

Looking forward to seeing you there!!!