Above / Thanks to connections with Anderson’s Bookshop, Waldo again is on the loose throughout Naperville’s independent business community and beyond. Independent merchants are putting together prize packages for the raffle drawing on July 31,2016. (PN File Photo 2015)
July brings some extra fun to town this year because Waldo is on the loose. The familiar red-and-white striped character, who is always a bit hard to find, is hidden in nearly 40 stores and businesses in Naperville, Downers Grove and La Grange.
It’s all part of Where’s Waldo? on Main Street, USA, a national campaign of Candlewick Press and the American Booksellers Association.
According to Becky Anderson, of Naperville’s Anderson’s Bookshop, and former American Bookseller Association president, “What could be more fun than finding Waldo, but finding Waldo at local independent businesses in your communities,” says Anderson. “Find Waldo Local celebrates the uniqueness, fun and strength of community.”
So, Where’s Waldo? Throughout our communities, of course. This is the national scavenger hunt’s fifth year. Now he’s back and the famous fellow in the striped shirt and black-rimmed specs is visiting different local businesses all through the month of July. Those who spot him can win prizes, including buttons, books, and more.
Anyone who wishes to participate can pick up a “Find Waldo in Naperville” search list with the names of all the businesses, and collect an “I Found Waldo at ___________” card for each Waldo they spot. Collecting cards in 12 or more businesses and turning them in at Anderson’s will win prizes and then an entry for other, larger prizes to be drawn on July 31. Search lists are also available in Downers Grove and LaGrange.
The Grand Prize is a complete six-volume set of Waldo books, a Waldo poster book, and a Waldo postcard book.
Since 1987, millions of readers have searched for Waldo
Waldo is the creation of Martin Handford, whose entertaining drawings of crowd scenes swept the world in 1987. Since then, the Where’s Waldo books have held a cherished spot on bookstore shelves the world over. There are now over 55 million Waldo books in print worldwide and they’ve been translated into 18 languages. An entire generation has grown up searching for Waldo and his cast of wandering companions.
In celebration of Waldo’s longevity and popularity, his American publisher, Candlewick Press, decided to team up with the American Booksellers Association and 250 independent bookstores all across the country, including Anderson’s Bookshops, to have fun and encourage people to visit local businesses. There is no charge to participate, and the game lasts for the entire month of July.
For more information about hunting for Waldo in Naperville, call Anderson’s Bookshop at 630-355-2665, in Downers Grove, call (630) 963-2665 or in La Grange, call (708) 582-6353.
Or visit IndieBoundNaperville.org.
Anderson’s Bookshops specialize in book sales, author events, book signings, and building a sense of community, learning and fun. The store has been helping area readers for six generations.
Key to Anderson’s success has been special events, like the July Where’s Waldo? scavenger hunt. Keep updated on current literary events by visiting www.andersonsbookshop.com.
News submitted by Candace Purdom, Publicity and Events, for Anderson’s Bookshops.
Find Waldo linked to www.indieboundnaperville.org, too!
Editor’s Note: Find Waldo featured and/or mentioned in many stories on the PN website. For the most current list of Naperville businesses participating in the 2016 Find Waldo Campaign, search “Waldo.”
IndieBound Naperville meets at 6PM Mon., July 11, at Kreger’s Brat & Sausage House where members again will put together prize baskets for the free-to-play-and-enter raffle. The drawing is on July 31.
No matter where you live, thanks for shopping, dining, entertaining, banking and using services in support of locally-owned businesses in your hometown whenever possible.
