We’re Going on a Bear Hunt

By Robin Gregg

Bear Hunts are taking off around Monroe County to bring some innocent entertainment to all ages. Local businesses and residents are placing bears and other animals in their windows or on their porches; some even in disguise, to create a scavenger hunt activity for kids who are stuck at home from schools being closed and some parents out of work, due to the CDC recommended guidelines to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus.

Trazerra Chapman brought the idea to the Paris area after seeing Laddonia and Mexico doing this same thing. “I figured it would be a good way to get families out on walks and some fresh air. My heart is warmed at how many people have participated. Paris pulling together for the kids once again!”

If you are placing a bear or two in your windows or porch, please post a location on the Facebook group pages Paris “Bears in the Window” and/or Monroe City “Bears on the Porch” so those who are taking a break and getting those little ones out of house will know where to take them, rather on a walk or on a drive. If you see one and are driving, give a HONK!

Cassandra White said, “We walked our side of town this morning and spotted a few!! Our daughter gets so excited to wave at the cars as they drive by very slowly to look at her bear in the window!”

The idea was generated from the 1989 and 2003 award winning classic book, “We're Going on a Bear Hunt” written by Michael Rosen, and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury.

Dede Mitchell said, “My little's needed some fresh air, so we walked the neighborhood and stayed a safe distance from everyone. They were so excited to spot two bears!!! It gives them something fun and we celebrated finding them with high fives!”

“We drove through Paris and my crew absolutely loved seeing and looking for all the bears. There were definitely lots of smiles,” said Amanda Lehenbauer.

So, take a break from home schooling or the latest Netflix binge and get those little ones out of the house! Bring a snack! Ride the familiar streets of your home town and be on the lookout for those fuzzy lovable family bears. Take a picture! Smile and Wave! Just stay in your vehicle or six feet away from another walker on the sidewalk or street please. Continue to practice social distancing. Enjoy!