Where is Olaf? That is the question that residents of Pleasant Grove will be asking themselves after reading clues in next week's Pleasant Grove Review.

Olaf, a mystery Viking, will be visiting businesses in the city over the next several months. However, his whereabouts will not be disclosed. The only way to find him will be to read the clues and solve the mystery.

"He will be biding his time somewhere in one of the participating businesses," said Richard Bradford, Economic Development Director. "Olaf is a 10-inch-high stuffed Viking in full gear."

The purposes of the Find Olaf game, according to Bradford, are to have fun, get to know some of the local businesses, collect and trade stickers and win a valuable prize.

"Each business gives players who ask about Olaf a uniquely-colored sticker with the viking's picture on it," said Bradford. Players can collect and trade the stickers.

The game is sponsored by the Pleasant Grove Business Alliance, said Executive Director Jennifer Wright.

"Clues will be in the paper each week, and then people can go and find him," said Wright. "He'll be out in the open at the businesses."

According to Wright, when patrons find Olaf, they will have the opportunity to enter their names for a drawing. The business owners will draw one name at the end of Olaf's two-week stay. Each business will be giving away a prize with a $100 retail value.

So far, five businesses have signed up to participate in the game: Allred's Ace Hardware, Parts Unlimited, Close to My Heart, BMW of Pleasant Grove and Edward Jones Investments.

"This is a fun way to find him. It will be kind of exciting," said Wright. "We're hoping it creates awareness for the Pleasant Grove Business Alliance and provides extra advertising for businesses."

The first clues will be published in the March 20 edition of the Pleasant Grove Review. The search will begin on March 21. The clues will also be listed on the Alliance's Web site at www.pgbusinessalliance.com.

NEWS BRIEFS

Drop-in storytimes -- Every Tuesday and Wednesday morning at 9 a.m., the Pleasant Grove Library holds free drop-in storytime sessions. No registration required to attend. These Terrific Tuesday and Wild Wednesday sessions feature 20 minutes of stories, finger plays and songs. Moms are welcome to help with the storytelling and singing.

Household hazardous waste collection day -- Residents of Utah County may bring hazardous waste to the UVSC Orem Campus northwest parking area on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Do not mix wastes. If possible, leave materials in original containers with labels intact, or mark containers if labels are missing. All containers must be capped or sealed. Containers must be deposited with waste materials. They cannot be returned. They should be transported in a cardboard box lined with newspaper.

Items that can be accepted include paints, stains, gasoline, fuels, motor oil, lubricants, antifreeze, solvents, thinners, all-purpose cleaners, aerosol cans, pesticides, herbicides, glues, fluorescent light bulbs, mercury thermometers, photographic chemicals and batteries.

Items that cannot be accepted include tires, ammunition, explosives, asbestos, radioactive waste, PCB-related materials, medical or biological waste, prescriptions, business or commercial waste, construction or demolition materials and electronics.

Camp Floyd to host geocache hunt -- Camp Floyd State Park is hosting a geocache treasure hunt on March 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participants are encouraged to bring their own GPS units, but a GPS unit with instructions will be available if needed. Admission is $2 per person or $6 per family. Hamburgers, hot dogs and treats will be available for purchase from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. For more information, call the park at (801) 768-8932.