Kristin Bernhart had her name drawn Wednesday morning as the winner of The Great Scavenger Hunt, sponsored by the Greater Freeport Chamber of Commerce.

Bernhart, who owns the True Value hardware store on Route 1 with her husband, Woody Woodbury, won an estimated $800 in merchandise and gift certificates. Her name was drawn from among 30 entries in the contest, designed to connect people with businesses in town. Each participant paid $5 to enter the contest.

“I don’t get out that much, so this forced me to get out and meet people,” Bernhart said. “And I actually did spend some money.”

Sande Updegraph, executive director of the Greater Freeport Chamber of Commerce, said that most gifts from 22 locally owned businesses were worth $35 to $40. But others – including a blanket valued at $175 from Maine Woolens, a $300 gift certificate from Royal River Heat Pumps and a night’s stay at Kendall Tavern Inn Bed and Breakfast – are worth considerably more.

Participants purchased “passports” at the chamber office starting on June 15, and turned had until June 26 to turn them back in. The passports, which included clues, led the customers to the 22 businesses. The clues were in the form of questions that could only be answered by going into the businesses and speaking with an employee.

Michelle Fougere, the chamber’s office coordinator, chose the winning name. The passports were laid out on tables with the names upside-down at the chamber office, and Fougere made the selection with her eyes closed.

Updegraph said that only about half of the 60 cards purchased by people were turned back in, but those who did participate understood the concept.

“The players did what we had hoped – they went into the businesses and they talked to the people,” Updegraph said. “The merchants loved it.”