RED BANK: POKÉMON GO’S NIGHT OUT

rb downtown 062016 1A week’s worth of Pokémon Go gets underway in downtown Red Bank Monday. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge)

hot-topicIf you’re not one of the millions of multi-generational players who’ve bonded in recent days over the phenomenon that is Pokémon Go, feel free to go about your business. But if the pursuit of Pikachu, Pidgey, and Bellsprout has found you exploring your surroundings like never before, then the folks at Red Bank RiverCenter have a little promotion that might pump up your Pokédex.Beginning today and continuing through Sunday, July 24, RiverCenter will be conducting a Pokémon Go Photo Contest designed to highlight the more than 30 Pokéstops (and five Battle Gyms) located around the borough. It’s a promotion that promises an extra level of reward for some lucky participants — and a level of excitement that reaches a crescendo with this Thursday’s first-ever Pokémon Go Night.

Like Girls’ Night Out and other RiverCenter-sponsored events, the July 21 promotion boasts the participation of numerous merchants, many of whom will extended their hours to 8 p.m. Promised are live music, “tons of Lures at many of the Pokéstops and Gyms,” plus discounts from a variety of retailers — not to mention the opportunity to obtain more Pokémon balls and supplies from the various stops in town.

In the meantime, the RiverCenter team will be “dropping Lures all week to increase your chances of capturing some great photos of your Pokémon finds.”

Visit RiverCenter on Facebook or Instagram (redbank_nj), and post pics or videos of your Red Bank finds with hashtag #redbankpokemongo. All entries become eligible to win prizes, including gift cards from select borough businesses, with winners drawn at  the end of the weeklong promotion.