Fans of the new “Pokemon Go” game, which touched off a worldwide gamers’ frenzy earlier this week, will get the chance for a Hot Springs meet-up on Wednesday, July 20, at 7 p.m. in Hill Wheatley Plaza.
The event is being sponsored by Spa-Con, the upcoming pop culture convention scheduled for Sept. 23 – 25 in Hot Springs and by Visit Hot Springs, the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts, and the Garland County Library. It is free and open to Pokemon trainers of all ages.
Participants in the meet-up will receive a free Hot Springs Pokemaster T-shirt in the colors of Valor, Instinct and Mystic, while supplies last, said Bill Solleder, special events manager for Visit Hot Springs. Participants will gather in Hill Wheatley Plaza at the south end of Bathhouse Row on Central Avenue then search from 7 to 9 p.m. for extra lure models placed in the downtown area. This, Solleder said, will help maximize gamers’ Pokemon collections.
“What luck that a 20-year-old game has a resurgence during my first week of work as special events manager at Visit Hot Springs,” Solleder said. “Pokemon Go is trending all over the world, and the game is great way to get out with your friends and family and enjoy beautiful downtown Hot Springs and maybe even become a Hot Springs Pokemaster.”
ASMSA Director Corey Alderdice said that the walk is a unique opportunity for the school to partner with the community.
“ASMSA is thrilled to partner with Visit Hot Springs and Spa-Con to support a night out in celebration of our community and historic Downtown Hot Springs,” Alderdice said. “The history, art and landmarks of the downtown district create a level of density in Pokemon Go that you don't see in many places. Those traits make the game even more fun.
“ASMSA's community of learning is built around students finding a place where they can share their interest, connect with peers, and get excited about new things. From spending some time this week playing the game, it's nice to see the things we value as a school about community are replicated within the game.”
For more information on the meet-up, visit http://asmsa.me/pokemongohotsprings. More information about the upcoming Spa-Con, described as Arkansas’ newest and best pop culture convention, is available at www.spa-con.org. For more information, call Bill Solleder at (501) 321-2027.