NEWTON FALLS, Ohio - What started as a simple community treasure hunt in Newton Falls is quickly becoming a global attraction.

The hunt is now drawing participants from around the world, including a professional treasure hunter who believes he may be close to cracking the clues.

Lee Dowdy, a treasure hunter with more than 20 years of experience and host of the show Historical Diggers, said he initially did not expect much when he first heard about the hunt.

“I thought it was one of those little kid things,” Dowdy said. “but once I started looking into it, I realized this is interesting.”

Dowdy has uncovered more than $3.1 million worth of artifacts during his career and is now documenting his search for the Newton Falls treasure. He says the clues have him convinced the prize can be found.

“I am literally documenting me finding this treasure because I think I will find it,” he said. “I’m not just being positive, but the clues are adding up.”

The challenge has turned Newton Falls into a real-life puzzle, drawing visitors from across the country and beyond.

Organizer and owner of Fieldview Acres Mercantile Tom Colosimo says the hunt has attracted people from 18 states and three countries so far.

"There was a couple here from Italy, a girl from Japan and somebody from Canada as well,” Colosimo said.

The growing attention has also increased the value of the prize. Thanks to support from about 50 local sponsors, the treasure is now worth $30,000.

One of those sponsors, a car dealership in Garrettsville, is helping grow the jackpot even further.

“We’re going to donate $50 per new vehicle we sell through July unless [the treasure is] found before that,” Paul McEwun, General Manager of Sarchione Chevrolet Garrettsville said. 

Beyond the excitement of the hunt, organizers say the event is also bringing more people into town and giving local businesses a noticeable boost.

Colosimo says he never imagined the idea would grow this quickly.

"I’m ecstatic about this. I had no idea it was going to grow this big and I love it,” he said. “and if it goes well, I’m going to do it again next year.”

For now, the mystery remains unsolved, but the hunt continues as more people arrive in Newton Falls hoping to be the one who finds the hidden treasure.

The next clue will be announced on St. Patrick's Day.