NEWPORT — Bear hunts are underway in Newport City.
Stuffed bears, puppies, unicorns, and cows are popping up everywhere in the windows of businesses and homes throughout Newport City.
The trend is in response to a call from Newport Parks & Recreation Friday encouraging residents to participate in a community-wide “Bear Hunt,” a socially distant scavenger hunt to help curb boredom.
Families are encouraged to put a stuffed animal in the window of their home, then take a walk, bike ride, or drive in the car to spot as many creatures as they can in other neighborhood windows.
“Everyone is struggling right now to adjust to this new lifestyle,” said Jessica Booth, Director of Parks & Recreation for the City of Newport. “Cabin fever is a real thing, especially when you have young kids and we thought this would be a great way to encourage families to get out of the house in a safe way.”
Bear Hunts are happening in other parts of the country as well, during a time when social distancing is the norm.
Booth encourages both businesses and residents alike to join in the fun, get creative with their bear display and share pictures of their hunts on the department’s Facebook page.
“Come check out our bear too,” Booth said. “He’s hanging out in the window of the Newport Municipal Building wearing a Parks and Rec t-shirt.”
More information can be found on their Newport Parks & Recreation Facebook page or website www.NewportRecreation.org.
