Hundreds of people turned out for the third annual Sea Float Scramble in Langley Saturday, and like all treasure hunts it was a madhouse.

The starting line dropped, and men, women, children and the elderly all raced forward to find glass gold — it was every man for himself.

Over 200 glass balls were hidden in Seawall Park, but with so many people competition was fierce. Old men scooped up balls right in front of little girls, and children used their youth to race ahead. Yet everywhere one turned people were cradling newfound prizes and sporting ear-to-ear smiles.

“It was fantastic, a lot of fun,” said Jason Cranch, a Clinton resident who attended with his two girls, Chloe, 8, and Holland, 5.

To help make sure everyone left with a glass ball, organizers added a second hunting ground for children five and under to this year’s scramble at Langley Park on the corner of Second Street and Anthes Avenue. A third and secret spot was also added for people who didn’t find a glass ball at either of two advertised locations.

“I thought that was really cool,” Cranch said.

The event was free and put on by the Langley Main Street Association and the Callahan’s Firehouse Studio. Callahan McVay, the studio’s owner, supplied the glass balls, which were also free for scramble participants.

Lorinda Kay with the main street association said the event seems to grow every year and another large turnout was expected. The additional hunting grounds were included to try and ensure that no one went home empty handed.

“We want to make this a fun thing,” she said.

The event was created as a way to bring people to Langley during a typically slow time of year, right after the holidays. To that effect, the scramble seems to have been a success as the city’s streets bustled with families visiting stores and supporting local eateries before and after the hunt.

“Look at all these people,” said McVay, motioning to patrons at The Braeburn restaurant following the scramble.

Cranch said they are relatively new to the South End, and events like these are what make the community a special place to live. They are a chance to meet up with friends, and for children to get together and have fun.

“It’s just great,” he said.