<\/p>\n
There was a time when a magician or clown was enough to keep a kid\u2019s birthday party going, but times have changed, and in response, a new local business is giving birthday parties a 21st century kick.<\/p>\n
The Ultimate Game Rover, a rolling mobile video game trailer, is the first of its kind in the Four Corners, according to owner Vern Rucker. It made its debut in the annual Parade of Lights down Main Street on Dec. 6.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are a lot of these in the big cities, so I think it\u2019s pretty cool for a small town like Cortez to have something like this,\u201d said Rucker. \u201cI researched these about two years before I bought it, and everyone I talked to said it was a great business. The kids love it and have fun, and parents love that they don\u2019t have a huge mess in the house after a party.\u201d<\/p>\n
The climate-controlled truck is outfitted with four 50-inch high-definition flat-screen TVs, four XBox 360 consoles, two Wii U consoles, and two Playstation 3 consoles. All screens are linked for tournaments so party guests can play each other. The truck holds up to 16 gamers and features a \u201cgame coach\u201d to ensure that everything goes smoothly and everyone gets a turn.<\/p>\n
Rucker says he\u2019d had to do some research on how to use the gaming systems \u2013 before he had the Ultimate Game Rover his video game knowledge was limited to Mario \u2013 but the business plays to his other strong suit: working with kids.<\/p>\n
Through his regular full-time job as a Cortez police officer, Rucker teaches the DARE program for fifth- and seventh-grade students in Montezuma County and also serves as a school resource officer.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not hard to find time (for the business) if what you\u2019re doing is fun\u201d said Rucker. \u201cWatching kids smile and have a good time is motivation for me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Because video games aren\u2019t just for kids anymore, Rucker says the Ultimate Game Rover is also available for corporate events and church functions. He\u2019s planning to set up at festivals and offer pay-per-play options for interested gamers.<\/p>\n
For more information on the Ultimate Game Rover, connect with them on Facebook or call 739-5550.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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