By Marissa Dechant Staff writer
A new craze in Franklin has children and adults alike placing painted treasures around town.
“Franklin Pa Rocks,” a Facebook group created last month by Marlene Rice, is a rock-finding game that has been cropping up in cities across the country for the past several years.
“It’s a feel good, perk-up-someone’s-day kind of thing,” Rice said. “There is so much negativity today, and I think it’s spreading like wildfire because it’s not too heavy.”
Those placing the rocks can give location hints on the Facebook page, or leave the rocks’ whereabouts completely unknown.
“It’s just enjoyable and relaxing, ” Rice said.
And, she added, participants don’t have to be artistically inclined.
“I have no art background,” said Rice, who has been painting rocks for about a month. She heard about the game from her sister, who has been placing rocks around her town of Lakewood, Washington, for several months.
Rice said the game is an inexpensive hobby for parents and children to get involved with during the summer months. Those interested in participating can purchase unpolished rocks and acrylic paint at local craft stores, she said.
Rice advised participants to keep designs and scenes on the rocks “G-rated” and added that it is illegal to take rocks from state and national parks. She also said people can paint “Franklin, Pa. Rocks – Facebook” on the underside of the rocks so others know which rocks are part of the game.
Rice said she eventually wants to place a specially painted rock in town, and whoever finds it will win a starter paint kit.
For more information, people can visit the Franklin Pa Rocks Facebook page.
