HAYDEN — Northwest Expedition Academy is inviting NExA family members and the whole Hayden community out for a scavenger hunt next Wednesday.

First-grade teacher Sarah King, who serves on the school's leadership team, is organizing the social distance outing.

"Whoever wants to join is welcome to come," she said Tuesday.

The 2020 Hayden Drive-Around Scavenger Hunt will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 29.

The fun begins at the Hayden Discount Cinemas in the Prairie Shopping Center, where participants will be able to purchase buckets of popcorn, pick up free books and grab scavenger hunt lists.

Scavenger hunters will enjoy appearances by local celebrities as they visit Hayden businesses and landmarks — librarians from the Hayden Library, Deputy Doug Goodman, Stanley the Dino at Triple Play, Mayor Steve Griffitts at Hayden City Hall, NExA teachers and staff and many more.

King said there is plenty of space for more local shops and businesses to participate.

"I just want to be able to stop at as many spots and have as many people participate as possible," she said.

She said businesses are welcome to pass out flyers and marketing materials in a safe, curbside fashion.

"It’s a great opportunity to be a participant in the community and remind people that you're there and you're open," King said. "It's just a great way for businesses to be seen."

It's especially dedicated to all the students out there who have been stuck at home, missing their teachers, classrooms and school friends. King said the participating businesses "have been really excited about the opportunity to have people swing by, but also give back to the kids in our community."

"It’s hard on the kids to be at home and disconnected," she said. "Everyone’s looking forward to waving and saying hi but still maintaining the rules."

Signs, costumes and other fun ways to add flair to the stops on the hunt are encouraged, but not mandatory.

Email King at [email protected] for information or to add a location to the Hayden Drive-Around Scavenger Hunt.