Evergreen Federal Redefines Bear Hunting for an Affordable Activity for Families in Grants Pass

Both sets of the Mincks family twins enjoyed getting up close and personal with these friendly pieces of art, July 2018. (Summer Mincks)

With the current economic struggles and even worse job market, families in Grants Pass are desperate for ways to keep their children busy this summer without breaking the bank. Families in the area are struggling to find affordable outings that stimulate their children during the summer months and encourage community involvement while staying on a tight budget. With the high costs of camps and activities, some parents are left wondering how they can afford to entertain the family. This is where Grants Pass’ definition of Bear Hunting comes to the rescue.

Now, this does not require mossy oak camo or ammo and rifles, It does not even require leaving town, but will keep little ones and adults busy for a day or longer. The best part about Bear Hunting in Grants Pass; it’s free!

With the help of the late Senate President Brady Adams and the local Evergreen Bank, the bear hunt was officially born in 2003. The idea was simple, play on the random bear sightings that have occurred within the community through the years and add a dash of the whimsy and wonder. In 2003 twenty life-sized fiberglass bears were sent to local commissioned artists to elaborate upon. The absolute beauty of this project came when the artists were given the opportunity to let their imagination run wild. Some artists were inspired by their favorite books and hobbies, while others focused on the natural scenery of the community. Artists designed, painted, embellished and even bedazzled the bears showcasing their own original styles and themes. Around downtown Grants Pass the bears can be seen sporting hats or capes, reading books, or even popping out of pumpkins or holding trays of ice cream and range from the sizes of cubs to big papa bears. Each bear is entirely unique with its own character and personality.

The bears provide the perfect opportunity for family fun with their imaginative costumes and whimsical personas. The Mincks kids fell in love with this bear and dubbed it their "Greatest Showman Bear." July 2018. (Summer Mincks)

More bears were again commissioned and added to the collection in 2004, 2005, 2010, 2014, and continue to be added to this day. Now every year from May to Labor Day, the bears come to visit the town of Grants Pass. Not only do the bears bring joy to the community through their sweet smiles and friendly waves they have also worked to assist in charity fundraising. To date, many of the bears have been auctioned off and have raised over $250,000.00 for local non-profits.

Different bears resonate with different children and adults and everyone is sure to have their own favorite.

So how does one go bear hunting in Grants Pass?

The idea is simple really and thanks to the work of the community and Evergreen Bank a map has been created to lead locals to each bear. Make it like a scavenger hunt and divide up into teams, or simply walk around town and capture images with your favorite bears.

There are no rules to this game and each family can determine exactly how they wish to play.

There is no cost to go bear hunting and with a bit of imagination, this free activity can provide the opportunity for an exciting adventure for children young and old.

This caped crusader is the perfect companion to visit post ice cream and just down the way from Blind Georges Newsstand, on G and 6th Street in downtown Grants Pass, July 2018. (Summer Mincks)

And if you are still on a tight budget but hoping to provide some treats to cool-off and refresh when taking a break from your hunt, stopping by a local favorite for sweet delight or savory snack. Places like the Grants Pass Pharmacy is perfect for Phosphates or milkshakes, while Blind Georges Newsstand is a chance to get your hands on some fresh popcorn and ice cream. These homegrown spots are sure-fire ways to beat the heat and keep the little ones delighted.

A Phosphate at the pharmacy costs about .75 cents while a kiddie-sized ice cream cone at Blind Georges hovers under a dollar!

Going on a bear hunt is a perfect way to entertain the littles and start a tradition with your family. The options are limitless and such a great opportunity to foster an appreciation and respect for local artists and the community.

Walk through the streets while chatting about the history of the town from the changes the community has seen all the way to architecture and businesses. For an added fun lesson print out some old photos of downtown, Grants Pass and try to find the locations today. Engage your children and ask them questions like “what is different?” or “what is the same?”

Swing by Rogue Roasters for an afternoon pick me up and do not forget to snap a picture with the beautiful Egyptian inspired bears right outside. (Summer Mincks)

Celebrating these iconic pieces of art further supports the great strides that Evergreen Federal has made within the community to increase the engagement and involvement of our locals. The bears further idealized Adams’ commitment to the community and showcase the love for his town. Adams passed away in 2015 from a long battle with Parkinson’s at the age of 70, but his spirit lives on in the forms of physical evidence of his adoration of this town. In his honor, thousands of dollars have been raised to commemorate a life-size statue to be placed in downtown Grants Pass in loving memory of “The Father of Grants Pass.”

No matter how creative you get or the rules you apply to your personal bear hunt, this activity is sure to provide you with more than just affordable fun. It will add to your family memory bank for years to come.

Cub Tut is sure to give his royal approval and elegantly sits for picture for any of his subjects. This bear is a personal favorite of all the Mincks children. (Summer Mincks)

Check this link to see the many other functions sponsored by Evergreen Federal Bank.