Mount Vernon is Doing a Community ‘Bear Hunt’

Residents and business owners in the city of Mount Vernon are putting together a fun family activity that can be done from the safety of your car!

If you spot a teddy bear or other stuffed animal in the window of a business or a home, there's a good reason! Neighborhoods across America are taking place in 'bear hunts.' A new article from TIME says:

"Taking a page from Michael Rosen’s 1989 children’s book We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, members of a number of communities across the globe are placing teddy bears and other stuffed animals in their homes’ windows to create a scavenger hunt-esque activity for kids who are stuck at home."

While taking a walk or driving around the neighborhood, kids can be on the lookout for stuffed animals being displayed in people's windows. It's just something fun to do with the family while practicing social distancing.

The city of Mount Vernon is doing their own bear hunt starting today and running through April 3rd. According to the Facebook event page, many businesses within the city are taking part, including:

• Kae Apothecary
• Scarlett Boutique
• Glyn Mawr Winery
• Ben and Flo's
• Skillet Cafe
• Palisades Cafe
• Whimsy and Wonder Vendor Boutiques
• Alice's Wonderland
• Iron Leaf Press
• Mount Vernon Lions Club
• Big's BBQ Brewpub

People have started posting photos of their stuffed animals and giving out their street names in the comments section of the event page. If you'd like to participate, you can get more information HERE.

If you know of any other Iowa towns participating in a 'bear hunt,' please let us know in the comments!