Clearwater Marine Aquarium Giveaway No April Fool's Joke

CLEARWATER, FL — The folks at Clearwater Marine Aquarium are gearing up to create a ruckus on the beach, a Rufus Ruckus that is.

During an April 1 promotion, the CMA team plans “pop-up visits” to different locations on Clearwater Beach with the aquarium's flighty mascot in tow. People who spot the mascot, snap photos and post them to Twitter and/or Instagram using the hashtag #RufusRuckus will be eligible for a number of prizes.

Those prizes, aquarium officials assure, are no joke either. The grand prize winner will receive a two-night stay at the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa, two general admission tickets to the aquarium, a Rufus Encounter (with the real Rufus), and a Rufus plush toy. The total package is valued near $1,500.

“At CMA, we wanted to celebrate April Fool’s Day in honor of our favorite pesky pelican, Rufus,” Becca Romzek, aquarium spokeswoman, explained to Patch. “In the Dolphin Tale films, the playful Rufus is always causing ruckus at the aquarium. This special activity allows us to reach out to the Clearwater Beach community and share the joy that Rufus brings to our guests at CMA every day.”

The promotion is set to take place between noon and 3 p.m. on the beach. Rufus will be found in the following general locations during that time period:

• Pelican Walk Plaza on Clearwater Beach
• Pier 60
• Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa

The CMA team also plans on giving away admission tickets to randomly selected participants at each location, including free goodies to all who participate. To be eligible for the grand prize, participants have fill out an entry form from each location and post photos using the hashtag #RufusRucks to prove their success at playing Where's Rufus, CMA said. The entry forms will be available from CMA team members at each location.

To find out more, visit CMA online.

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