Happy New Year! It’s hard to believe how quickly we got to the end of the year.
We hope the last stretch of December has been kind to you and that you’re heading into the New Year feeling a little lighter. Whether your days are full of family plans or you’re keeping things quiet at home, we hope there’s time to slow down and enjoy it.
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Now, in Today’s Edition:
Should the $10,000 giveaway continue?
Community Spotlight
What’s open and closed on New Year’s Day?
New Year’s Eve Events
News
FINS Patio Bar and Grill Hides $10,000 Treasure
Have you seen people digging through trash cans or wandering alleyways? Don’t worry, the town has not turned into a bunch of rats. Instead, everyone has turned into treasure hunters. There’s been a buzz around Weatherford as residents search for the $10,000 giveaway hidden within the city by FINS.
For the 25 days leading up to Christmas, FINS hid prizes daily throughout Weatherford. The grand prize, totaling $10,000, was hidden on Christmas Day. The original post containing the clues has already racked up more than 2,100 comments.
Speaking from experience, this prize won’t be easy to find. The day after Christmas, my family and I spent a couple of hours searching ourselves. We thought we were geniuses and knew exactly where to look. Then, after hours of research and visiting 15 businesses, we lost hope.
Despite the fun, many have come to realize that no good deed goes unpunished. Several local businesses have reported individuals looting through trash cans and damaging personal property, which has sparked some controversy online over whether or not the giveaways should continue. We will let FINS decide that. However, as a reminder, FINS has clearly stated that the prize is within city limits, has public parking nearby, and can be found without having to dig through trash or break into property.
We wanted to speak to a couple of locals to get their take on the adventure and controversy surrounding the prize. Clearly, there are mixed opinions:
“My kids and I have been hooked ever since [the giveaway began]. As a mom with older kids, this hunt means the world to me. It’s precious time making memories with them… If FINS can afford to do it every year, then I hope they do” - Erin
“I think people need to be responsible for their own actions. I definitely don’t think FINS should be blamed for the destruction of property.” - Erin
“I hope FINS keeps doing this every year, but I really wish people would just be more respectful so the rest of us can enjoy the thrill of the hunt!” - Stacia
“I think [FINS] should be stopped from doing this because it causes so much damage and chaos.” - Tanisha
Have fun searching for the prize, but do so respectfully. Below is a photo of where the other 24 prizes were found:
Community Spotlight
Local nonprofit, Love Weatherford, strives to keep the city clean
Source: Love Weatherford
Our newsletter would like to regularly highlight businesses, nonprofits, and individuals that are devoted to making this city a better place. This week, Love Weatherford is getting the spotlight.
According to their Facebook page, Love Weatherford is all about making Weatherford cleaner, safer, and more beautiful, and improving the lives of the people who live here. Countless tons of trash have been picked up by volunteers who come and support this mission. The goal is not only to pick up trash, but to bring awareness to littering in the city.
Sadly, the founder recently stated that Love Weatherford has lost a cleaning contract with another local non-profit, Downtown Weatherford Inc. (not directly affiliated with the city). Due to a lack of funding, it looks like the scale of Love Weatherford’s cleaning will, unfortunately, have to decrease somewhat.
With that said, the mission continues. Below are all the dates in January that Love Weatherford is hosting local cleanups. They will meet at 9:00 AM. Below are the dates and locations according to their Facebook Page:
January 3rd, Tin Top Rd. Meet at Harbor Freight
January 10th, Location TBD
January 17th, Cleburne HWY. 2721 S. Main St.
January 24th, Upper Denton Rd. 815 Fort Worth Hwy
January 31st, Location TBD
New Year’s Eve Events
Looking for some NYE plans? We’ve got you covered. There is plenty to do in Weatherford on NYE. Gather up some friends and check out one (or all) of these events!
Chapel Bar is having live music, dancing, food, cocktails, and more! The fun begins at 8:00 PM and lasts until 2:00 AM with a midnight cocktail. Get your tickets here.
Lonestar Bar and Backyard in Aledo is hosting a party! Live music by Rowdy Decker Tickets can be found here.
Gators Cantina is having live music led by CW Sturgeon. 9:00 PM - Midnight. 21+ $25 charge for singles or $45 for couples
FREE party at Downtown Cantina Midnight champagne & drink specials all night
Sheps Christmas Leftover Pint Night. NYE party starting at 7:00 PM. Keep the glass if you buy a beer!
What’s Open on New Year’s Day?
As Weatherford gears up for the New Year, we wanted to highlight a few restaurants that will be open on New Year’s Day, as well as some City Trash Pickup updates.
Open Restaurants
FINS Patio Bar and Grill
Beefmaster’s Steakhouse
Ironworks Coffee Shop (only the downtown and drive-thru)
Bandi Lou’s Steakhouse
Shep’s & SALT Seafood & Steakhouse (Opening at 3:00 PM)
Antebellum Ale House
The Full Cup Coffee Shop
City Trash Pickup
There will be no trash pickup on New Year’s Day within city limits
If you live outside the city limits and receive trash service once a week from the City of Weatherford, your trash will still be collected on January 2nd.
Thanks again for tuning into the Weatherford Wrangler.
See y’all next week!