It’s official. The county-wide egg hunt has begun.

“For years we hid the golden egg, and now we’re bringing it back,” said Daily Journal Publisher Rick Bacon as he set out to hide the shiny orb.

“This is our way of giving Richmond County an economic stimulus package.”

Just follow the clues for a chance to win $500 in cash and $250 in groceries from Edwards IGA on Airport Road in Rockingham - all sponsored by the Daily Journal.

“You won’t need a shovel to find it, and it’s on public property” added Bacon. “So please don’t go digging up someone’s yard.”

The egg will be visible without moving any permanent structures. It may be slightly covered by grass or leaves; we can’t guarantee that it will not be covered by debris.

Clues to the egg’s whereabouts are only available in the paper and at participating stores. Clues will appear on a page of the Journal 12 times between today and April 7. The same clues will be posted in stores 24 hours after they are published in the paper. No clues will be given over the telephone.

The first person to find the egg and bring it to the Richmond County Daily Journal office during regular business hours will be the winner.

Remember there is only one Daily Journal Golden Egg Hunt egg, and it contains an official authorization form, which the finder must show to prove authenticity and claim their prize. By accepting the prize, the winner authorizes the paper to publish their name and picture.

A second-chance drawing for $100 will be held in the event that someone finds the egg before April 7th. The Journal will accept entries from an entry blank published on each subsequent page until the contest has run its course.

If no one finds the egg, one additional page will be published with a clue that leads people to the hiding spot.