Earlier this summer, Coeur d’Alene and the rest of the nation were invaded by aliens from the ’90s. Fortunately, thousands of brave citizens have taken up their smartphones and dedicated themselves to catching as many of these pocket monsters as their legs can carry them to. This strange phenomenon is "Pokemon Go."

Those dedicated to the explosively-popular game can meet today from 5:30-7 p.m. for a trash pickup drive to help clean up Coeur d’Alene while playing. Anyone who wants to participate can meet at the Avista pavilion in McEuen Park.

Participants can choose between a downtown route or a Tubbs Hill route. Each attendee will receive a raffle ticket and can earn five more for every bag of trash turned in. The raffle will be held at the end of the event.

The purpose behind the event is that while people are playing the game, they are also picking up trash, paying attention to what’s around them and interacting with other members of the community.

“You can still play Pokemon Go and be aware of your surroundings,” said Arwyn Robinson, creator of the event and head of the newly-formed CDA PokePlayers.

After the pickup, there will be a Battle Royale at 7:30 p.m. at The Resort followed by the raffle at 8 p.m. in the McEuen pavilion.

More than 200 people have already expressed interest in this free, family-friendly event.

Robinson said she got the idea for the trash pickup from a similar event in Spokane last week.

“Coeur d’Alene people were going over to Spokane, and I thought why not do one here?” she said.

For more information, visit the Pokemon Go Meet Up — CDA event page on Facebook.