July brings some extra fun to Naperville this year because Waldo will be on the loose. The familiar red-and-white striped character, who is always a bit hard to find, will be hidden in over 20 stores and businesses in Naperville. 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 American Booksellers Association President Becky Anderson, of Naperville’s Anderson’s Bookshop, “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 Naperville, of course. He’s turning 25 this year, and to celebrate, 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.
From Anderson’s Bookshop at 123 W. Jefferson Ave. to Adagio Tea at 27 W. Jefferson Ave., from Second Chance Resale at 1512 N. Naper Blvd., Ste. 172 to the offices of Advanced Healthcare Associates at 1001 E. Ogden Ave. Ste., 202 and at many more stops, Waldo figures are showing up in public areas of local establishments.
Anyone who wishes to participate can pick up a “Find Waldo in Naperville” search list with the names of all the IndieBound Naperville businesses, and collect an “I Found Waldo at ___________” card for each Waldo they spot. Collecting cards in 16 or more businesses and turning them in at Anderson’s will win a Waldo button and an entry for other, larger prizes to be drawn on July 31.
The Grand Prize is a complete six-volume set of Waldo books. People who prefer a shorter version of the hunt can collect the cards from eight businesses and pick up a Waldo button at Anderson’s Bookshop.
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 Bookshop here in Naperville, 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.
Stop by any of the current Naperville businesses participating to collect a receipt that says you found Waldo.
The Boxes, Etc., Restyle, Second Chance Resale, Pennywise Resale Shoppe, Structure Integrated, Healthcare, Naperville Trolley, Porter Presentations, LuAnn Specialties, Positively Naperville, Adagio Teas, Dog Patch Pet & Feed, Twisted Olive, Naperville Bank & Trust, Ellman’s Music Center, Two Bostons, Advanced Healthcare Associates, Naperville Dog, Roseland Draperies & Interiors, Anderson’s Bookshop, Anderson’s Two Doors East Gift Shop, Naperville Art League. More are expected soon.
To receive credit for finding Waldo at Positively Naperville, simply say you saw this online post dated June 6, 2012. It’s that easy.
For more information, visit facebook.com/IndieboundNaperville or any of the participating merchants.
Update! Thanks to the Daily Herald and Glancer Magazine for mentioning this July promotion in recent issues.
