Chris Sumner is ready for “Pokemon Go” to hit downtown Elgin and is creating a special mix — Pokepop popcorn — for his shop, Mama Lee’s Gourmet Popcorn.
Sumner is getting ready for downtown’s Massive Lure Drop with over 20 Pokestops at downtown businesses from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday. Some business participating include Blue Box Cafe, 176 E. Chicago St.; Chooch’s Pizza, 64 S. Grove Ave.; Dog’s Paw Brewing, 74 S. Grove Ave.; and Mama Lee’s, 20 S. Spring St.
Lures are used to attract Pokemon characters to catch while Pokestops are located throughout the downtown.
Danny’s on Douglas, 231 Douglas Ave., is hosting a Pokemon hunt and gym battles from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday. Trainers will be on hand for pictures, and there will be tables for Pokemon card gaming and trading as well as activities for all ages, a raffle and Pokemon-inspired drinks.
Sumner has noticed a lot more foot traffic outside his downtown Elgin store. “You can identify (‘Pokemon Go’ players), the head is down and they are watching the phone,” he said.
The additional foot traffic has not had an impact on his store. He is hoping the special Pokepop popcorn will be his own “lure.” He’s thinking red, blue, yellow and white popcorn in flavors of cherry, blue raspberry, banana and coconut or plain. “I want to keep it fun,” he said.
Sumner has yet to play “Pokemon Go.” His 7-year-old son has been asking him to download it, but Sumner doesn’t have the time it takes to be a “Pokemon Go” player. The game itself seems “cool,” he said.
“I makes me wish I created the app. I need to come up with a popcorn app,” he said.
Gloria Casas is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.
