'Where's Waldo?' coming to downtown Alexandria

Where’s Waldo? Well, for the month of July, he’ll be in downtown Alexandria.

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of Waldo’s creation, his American publisher, Candlewick Press, has teamed up with the American Booksellers Association and 250 independent bookstores all across the country (including Cherry Street Books in Alexandria) to encourage people to visit local businesses.

The fellow in the striped shirt and black-rimmed specs will visit 20 different businesses throughout the month of July. Kids who spot him can win prizes including buttons, books and more.

Martin Handford first created Waldo in 1987. Since then, the Where’s Waldo books have been translated into 18 languages, and more than 55 million copies are in print worldwide.

From July 2-30, 20 six-inch Waldo figures will hide in public areas of 20 different downtown Alexandria establishments. Kids who wish to participate can pick up a “Find Waldo in Alexandria” search list and collect an “I Found Waldo” card for each Waldo they spot. There is no charge to participate.

Collecting cards in 16 or more businesses and turning them in at Cherry Street Books will qualify kids to win a Waldo button and another small prize (while supplies last). They will also be entered in a drawing for larger prizes to be drawn at a Waldo party at the bookstore on July 31. The grand prize is a complete six-volume boxed set of Waldo books.

If a shorter version of the hunt is preferred, children can collect cards from just eight of the businesses and pick up a Waldo button at Cherry Street Books.

For more information, call Cherry Street Books at (320) 763-9400 or stop anywhere with a Waldo sign in the window.

Participating businesses are Cherry Street Books, Sweet Seasons, Lea’s Pet Products, Roers Family Bakery, Special Memories, Creative Touch Gallery, Dawn’s Quilt Shop, Bon Jos, Ben Franklin, Randy’s Men’s Wear, Yesterday’s, Cowing Robards, Trumm Drug, Bellisima Yarn Shop, The Faction, Diekman’s Jewelry, Alexandria Music Store, Magpie, Scandinavian Gift Shop and Beetles Baseball Office.

Tags: new promotion, business, waldo, downtown