Waldo, the famously elusive character from the “Where’s Waldo” books by Martin Handford, will be hidden in 25 businesses around Waupaca throughout July.
Families are invited to begin their search by picking up a Find Waldo Passport at Dragonwings Bookstore in downtown Waupaca – headquarters of the hunt for Waldo.
“This was a really popular summer activity last year,” said Ellen Davis, owner of Dragonwings. “We’re excited to be able to offer it again.”
Most of Waldo’s hiding places will be in downtown Waupaca from one end of Main Street to the other.
He will also be hidden at Mo’s Dogs on Fulton Street and at three Chain locations: Scoopers, Tom Thumb Mini-Golf and Turners Farm Market.
“It’s fun in summer to include some favorite places around the Chain, too. It adds an extra challenge,” Davis said. “I like to picture each business as a life-size Waldo diorama for families to explore. Imagine trying to find Waldo at JR’s True Value Hardware! But, you know, even at Mo’s Dogs last year, he wasn’t that easy to spot.”
The Waldo hunt includes prizes at different levels.
If a player or team gets their passport stamped at 10 different locations, they bring it to Dragonwings, where each player will receive a Waldo sticker and a coupon for $1 off any Waldo book.
If they get 20 stamps on their passport, they will also be entered in a drawing for a boxed set of Waldo books, and they will receive a coupon book offering free items and discounts at the Waldo locations.
Those who complete the challenge and get all 25 stamps, will in addition receive an official Waldo postcard and Waldo button.
At the end of the hunt, on July 31, Dragonwings will host a Waldo Party and draw the winning names for the grand prizes.
Find Waldo is a national Shop Local event sponsored by Waldo’s publisher, Candlewick Press, and the American Booksellers Association. Last summer, 250 independent bookstores hosted Waldo hunts on Main Streets in all 50 states.
For more information, contact Dragonwings Bookstore, 108 N. Main St., Waupaca, 715-256-9186. Updated info will be available at www.dragonwings.com or their Facebook page.