Sonny and Sandy of the PodCacher podcast came up with the WWFM idea in 2007 after attending a mega-event. It was meant to be a fun “opposite” of a mega-event: all the cool aspects of a geocaching event, crammed into 15 minutes of excitement. An added dimension is represented by the letters "WW" - World Wide - these events occur across the planet on the same day at (mostly) the same time! These caching events are intended to bring geocachers together in a creative way, as well as introduce others (newbies) to the hobby.
WWFM History:
Flash Mob I – May 2007 – almost 200 San Diego, CA geocachers; 20 world-wide events
WWFM II – Nov 2007 – 4400 attendees at 83 events in 9 countries
WWFM III – May 2008 – almost 8000 attendees at 163 events in 15 countries
WWFM IV – Nov 2008 – 7400 people at 154 events in 20 countries
WWFM V – May 2009 – over 7000 people at 154 events in 20 countries
WWFM VI – Nov 2009 – almost 7000 people at 152 events in 21 countries
WWFM VII – May 2010 – almost 6000 people at 139 events in 19 countries
WWFM VIII - June 2011 - 9940 people at 215 events in 25 countries
WWFM IX - June 2012 - 15,487 people at 312 events in 31 countries worldwide
Check out the official Geocaching WWFM webpage for attendee information, news, history, and to view photos and videos from previous WWFM events from around the world!
Is this like a mega-event?
Yes... sorta... no, not really. In fact, it is almost the exact opposite. Instead of having one giant event, there will be hundreds of smaller events at exactly the same time all around the world.
Will we at least get a souvenir?
Yes, thanks to Podcacher.com, they have arranged for Groundspeak to issue digital souvenirs for all attendees of a WWFM X event. Be sure to record your attendance online that day!
What is the theme?
For the global event, the theme for this 10th WWFM event is... STAR WARS! May 4th (read as "may the fourth") is often referred to as Star Wars Day because of the similarity to the well-known phrase from the Star Wars films. Some locations will be staging mock light-saber battles or having Star Wars costume contests. For us, we'll be meeting just north of The Mall at the Albert Einstein sculpture! You are still welcome to wear your favorite Star Wars shirt or costume if you'd like.
Please bring cookies to share (store bought or homemade, your choice). Cookies start getting passed around and eaten at 1 pm. If you wish, you can come dressed in your Star Wars costumes or bring your light sabers. Bring your own milk or water...
What is do I need to do?
May 4th of every year is Star Wars Day (May the Fourth/Force be With You). To that end, please bring and/or wear something relating to Star Wars for the event. It can be as simple as a shirt, to full blown Jedi-robes, or anywhere in between (plastic lightsabers encouraged).
A flash mob is an event where a group assembles, does something, and disperses in a short period of time. On May 4th at the same time all around the world, cachers will be having flash mobs to celebrate geocaching. Come out and join the one being held in Washington, D.C.!
To claim the event, you must be present on time and sign the physical log book or drop a 3x5 Card into the attendance bag.