For decades, the iconic children's book character Waldo has had people looking for him in packed crowds. Now, an event pulls Waldo out from the pages of the popular look-and-find book series and into the shops at the River Market.
A month-long Where's Waldo scavenger hunt kickstarts in New West on Saturday, July 1. The world-famous wanderer in red-and-white striped sweater can be spotted at businesses at the River Market during the entire month of July — be it at Kinder Books, Baby Nook, Rain City Games, Bunches and Blooms, Crystal Vibes, Great Wall Tea, Cosy Yarns, Yoga at the Quay or Uncommon Clothing.
A twist to the traditional Where's Waldo that features the elusive character in visual puzzles filled with crowds of people, beasts and buildings, this version has him hiding within the shops at the city's waterfront retail complex.
The event, organized by the children's book store Kinder Books in partnership with Candlewick Press, celebrates the British children’s author and illustrator Martin Handford’s Where’s Waldo collection that saw a popularity spike in the late 1980s; it has sold more than 80 million copies since then.
All those who consider themselves skilled at combing through crowds to find little Waldo, can sign up for the "Waldo Passport" at Kinder Books, on Saturday, July 1.
The passport will include a list of businesses that are part of the hunt — which means each of them will have mini Waldo figurines hidden somewhere inside their stores.
As a participant, your job is to find all the hidden Waldos, and get your Waldo-themed travel diary signed by the businesses, as per Kinder Books website.
To add to the fun, the players can also join in a Waldo-themed free yoga session at Yoga at the Quay, buy a Waldo hat by Cozy Yarns or sit for a Waldo-themed board game session at Rain City Games.
But indulge in Waldo-themed fun without loosing sight of the big question: Where's Waldo? For, those who manage to find all the Waldos get to take home a Waldo button memorabilia, and also become eligible for the weekly prize draws that include gifts from the participating businesses — all leading up to the grand prize draw on July 30 at 11 a.m.
Get your Where's Waldo passport from Kinder Books (810 Quayside Dr.) on Saturday, July 1.
