Catch ‘em all with two Pokemon Go events for adults and youth

Pokemon Go is displayed on a cell phone in Los Angeles on Friday, July 8, 2016. Just days after being made available in the U.S., the mobile game Pokemon Go has jumped to become the top-grossing app in the App Store. And players have reported wiping out in a variety of ways as they wander the real world, eyes glued to their smartphone screens, in search of digital monsters. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel) less Pokemon Go is displayed on a cell phone in Los Angeles on Friday, July 8, 2016. Just days after being made available in the U.S., the mobile game Pokemon Go has jumped to become the top-grossing app in the App ... more Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Catch ‘em all with two Pokemon Go events for adults and youth 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

If you’ve noticed a high concentration of folks staring intently at their phones in public places, they likely are taking aim at a Krabby or battling other trainers at a gym. Blame it all on the rage of Pokémon Go. In a short time, the augmented reality app Pokémon Go has captured the country’s attention.

And quite a few Midlanders are in on the hunt.

The Museum of the Southwest, the Midland County Public Library Centennial branch and area parks have all been popular spots for players.

“On Monday, we saw at least a dozen people of all ages catching Pokémon at the museum,” Durham Children’s Museum director Annelorre Roberston said. “ I think the Blakemore Planetarium is a gym.”

On the Google Plus Pokémon GO Midland/Odessa community, a map of seven gyms -- where players engage in friendly battles -- and 25 Pokéstops -- where players gather pokeballs -- have been logged. On Reddit /r/Midessa, people discuss where they have had the most luck.

For the beverage-inclined, Friday’s Pokémon Go Bar Crawl may be just the answer.

The crawl will feature four drinking spots where you can catch any lingering characters.

Before you delve into a night of battles and beer, consider these tips for a most productive evening as you work toward catching all 150 Pokémon (with more to come). These tips aren’t going to help you score more. That’s your job. We just want to keep an eye out for you.

-- Take your phone charger

With your camera, screen and data working nonstop, that battery will get tired before you do.

-- Have a designated driver

If you’re hitting up the bar crawl, consider going in a pair or group to join up with the rest while having one as a designated driver. Everyone wants to have fun but if one too many drinks sneaks up on you while you catch another Pidgey, your good pal can get you safely home.

-- Wear comfortable clothes

You’re heading for a night out on the town, you’ll likely be doing a ton of walking and Midland summer nights haven’t been the coolest. Juggle all those into factors into some snazzy monster-catching looks. Or you can always dress like your avatar.

-- Grab some nourishment

We’re going to get a little parental here and suggest that you grab some nosh either before or along the way. The game is addictive, especially among fellow players, but don’t be so distracted that you miss on having nourishment to keep you going through the night.

-- Keep you eyes wide open

Look up and make sure you’re not walking into traffic, other people or an open manhole because you’ll be explaining why that happened.

-- Adults don’t get to have all the fun

The Centennial branch quickly jumped on the Pokémon Go bandwagon.

“Oh yes. The Youth Services staff is obsessed with it,” supervisor Mary Powers said.

So much so, that they are asking for PokeStop visitors to take a screenshot of any caught Pokémon to the Youth Services desk for a free prize while supplies last.

On Saturday, the library will then drop a lure to attract even more Pokémon characters to catch. They will also offer themed crafts and screen Pokémon cartoons before the 2 p.m. screening of “Zootopia.”

What locals on Facebook are saying about Pokémon Go:

-- “The Petroleum Museum is super Pokémon Go friendly. They have 14 PokeStops outside and they also have two gyms there.” -- Kasey Moore.

-- “Hogan Park is a great place to play, especially the Sibley Nature Trail. Lots of Pokémon and Pokéstops as well.” -- Megan Aaron.

-- “My daughter has found a lot at HEB on Wadley, and around the duck pond too.” -- Cassandra Gregory.

-- “It's good to see this. It's a positive in so much negative happening right now.” -- Cathy Kerns Johnson.