FARMINGTON — When the Farmington Downtown Association hosted a “find the lost lucky leprechaun” event over St. Patrick’s Day weekend, there was an extra twist for American Cancer Society’s local Relay for Life teams.

Once they found the leprechaun hiding in downtown stores, team members were given a gold coin to add to the pot of gold. Coins were logged and the three teams with the most earned cash to add to their June 3 Relay For Life goal.

Beth Beaudoin, chairwoman of the association’s promotion committee, presented their prize to representatives from the top three teams Friday at Homestead Bakery.

The first place team of Life in a Whole New Lite won $100 while a team of eighth-graders from Livermore Falls Middle School, the Electrics, took second place and $50. The third place winner, Farmington Police Department’s Caton’s Crew, in honor of the late Chief Richard Caton, won $25.

The Franklin County Relay For Life planned for June 3 will be moved to Jay High School this year while the track at Mt. Blue High School is closed due to the school renovation project. 

Until then, these teams are earnestly raising funds. Life in a Whole New Lite has a yard sale and book and bake sale planned, said Donna Eaton of Farmington. It is sponsored by Party Lite, a candle and gift business, a strong supporter of the American Cancer Society events, she said. 

Her teammates scrambled to find the hiding leprechaun through 12 downtown stores. They received 175 coins to take first place, adding $100 to their $1,500 goal for Relay for Life.

“It was fun,” teammate Diana Starbird said.

The youngest but largest team this year, Electrics, is a team of eighth- and one seventh-grader who want to join Elizabeth Chretien this year. After losing two aunts to the disease, Chretien said she participated last year on the Healthy Community Coalition team. This year organizers allowed the students to have a couple extra team mates bringing their number up to 17, she said.

Sgt. Michael Adcock, representing the Farmington Police team, received the third prize of $25. Last year the team was a top fundraiser with a mock jail and several barbecues held. These will be repeated again this year as the team wants to make as much as they can, he said.

Department Secretary Bonnie Pomeroy, Detective Marc Bowering and Chief Jack Peck are leading the team.

Adcock attributed their success in the leprechaun hunt to the efforts of Mary and Ed Hastings.

Following their Valentine and St.Patrick’s events, the downtown promotion group is planning a yard sale for April 23, Beaudoin said. Tables will be offered free to those who want to sell their items but they are still working on a place to hold it, she said.

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