Orcs and goblins of Middle Earth have decided that Stratford is the perfect place for their new base of operations. They’ve spread Sauron’s darkness across town, setting traps and challenges for any who dare oppose them.
Now, Gandalf the Grey has called upon YOU.
Travel across Stratford to locations where creatures have been sighted, complete challenges, and help dismantle the forces threatening our town — one quest at a time. Save Stratford before it’s too late.
How The Adventure Works
The Great Hobbit Adventure runs for three weeks, with five new challenges released each week.
Week One: July 20 – July 26
Week Two: July 27 – August 2
Week Three: August 3 – August 9
Each week:
• Watch for a clue video that reveals hints about the five challenge locations for that week (shared here on this webpage and on Instagram @SPL.ignite)
• Use the clues to track down challenge locations around Stratford
• Look for large signs marked The Great Hobbit Adventure
• Complete the challenge on the sign
• Submit your completed challenge before the week ends
At the end of each week, those challenges disappear forever and five brand-new challenges appear elsewhere in town.
Feeling brave? You can also skip the clue videos and wander Stratford searching for challenge locations yourself.
Completing Challenges
Each challenge is different because orcs and goblins rarely make things easy.
You might need to:
• Solve puzzles
• Unscramble words
• Take photos
• Search for clues
• Complete special tasks
Bring your wizard-approved communication staff (cell phone) so you can track progress and submit answers.
How to Submit Challenges
Send completed challenges by:
Instagram DM: @SPL.ignite
Email: Brooke Windsor at bwindsor@splibrary.ca
No Instagram? No problem.
Children may submit through email or use a guardian’s account. Multiple children may participate from the same account, but each player must complete challenges individually.
Prizes
Everyone can play, regardless of age. Please note: challenges are designed for ages 7+, though everyone is welcome to participate.
Important: You only qualify for prizes if you complete the registration form below.
One Prize Pack to Rule Them All
Every challenge you complete earns you one ballot toward a random prize draw at the end of the adventure. Prizes include: Downtown Dollars, Gifts from local businesses, more treasures worthy of Middle Earth.
Prize categories:
Children (0–8)
Teens (9–18)
Adults (19+)
Hobbiton Haul
Complete all 15 challenges (5 per week for 3 weeks) and automatically earn a Hobbiton Haul filled with treats, stickers, bookmarks, and other goodies.
Rules of Fellowship
• Be respectful to businesses, staff, and other players
• Please avoid blocking entrances or disrupting businesses hosting challenge locations
• Players reported for problematic behaviour may be removed from the adventure
• You may still participate even if you do not want prizes — registration is only required for prize eligibility