Event to last from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with prizes and games part of the festivities
“Venice will be buzzing with people of all ages walking around with mobile devices in hand” on Sept. 8, as they play the popular mobile game, Pokémon Go, Venice MainStreet Inc. has announced.
Venice MainStreet will host a Pokémon Go Walk from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in historic downtown Venice, a news release says. Then an after-party will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at AMF Venice Lanes, where games and prizes will be offered, the release adds.
“We thought this would be a fun way to bring the community and local businesses together,” said Erin Silk, CEO of Venice MainStreet, in the release. “The event is completely free and there are so many prizes from our partners to give out to players throughout the day.”
Three teams will participate in the game, the release notes, and each will have its own starting point. Team Valor will begin at Made In Italy, Team Instinct will start at the Daiquiri Deck and Team Mystic will begin at DP Fitness and Wellness, the release says. Those starting points are for players who want to be on teams, which will enable them to earn bonuses, the release explains. Players do not have to participate on teams, the release points out.
Realtor Luanne Wood has donated all of the water bottles for this event, the release adds, so players will be able to go indoors, “cool off and grab a bottle for free.” The water will be stationed at Ciao Gelato, Tea & Spice Exchange, Venice Wine & Coffee Co. and Island Organics Smoothies & Juice Bar, the release notes.
A number of Venice restaurants and businesses are offering exclusive deals for Pokémon Go players just for Sept. 8, the release continues.
“We’re also having a giant Pikachu running around downtown throughout the day,” Silk said in the release. “If you find him, snap a photo with him and tag us on social media, you’re automatically entered for a chance to win a prize.”