STOW, Ohio – It’s one of the most popular board games of all time.
Today, local children got to play Monopoly, now bigger and better than ever.
The Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library hosted a life-size Monopoly game for children Friday afternoon.
“We’re basically playing Monopoly, but with giant pieces,” said nine-year-old Ashley Anzaldi. “We’re the pieces to the board. We walk around. Instead of people operating us, we operate ourselves.”
Ashley was among 20 local students who participated in all the fun.
The game board included huge foam dice, hotels made out of milk cartons and even a life-size jail. Children partnered up, as one would handle the money while the other was the token on the board.
“It gives them a chance to be really active, said teen librarian and creator Christina Getrost. “It’s a lot more fun than your typical Monopoly game. Because you’re walking on the board, you’re throwing the giant dice.”
The fifth-annual event has become a cherished part of winter programming.
Getrost said the game helps attract patrons and has become a valuable tool at teaching children business, math and the value of teamwork.
“I really like that we’re competing against each other, and that we have teams. We don’t have to do everything alone,” Ashley said. “My favorite part is… Well, at the end, we get like prizes if you’ve won, so my favorite part is to try and win, like to try and get the most properties.”