Waldo is coming to Darien: The famous children’s book character in the striped shirt and black-rimmed specs is visiting 25 different local businesses throughout our community this July. Those who spot him can win prizes, including buttons, book coupons and more. From Barrett Bookstore at Noroton Heights Shopping Center (314 Heights Road to Wiggles & Giggles at 1074 Post Road), from SoNo Baking Company (49 Tokeneke Road) to Chocolate Works (Goodwives Shopping Center), Waldo figures will be well hidden in local business establishments. Find Waldo Local is a great summer vacation activity, and a wonderful way for residents to support local business and the Shop Local movement.
Anyone who wishes to participate can pick up a “Find Waldo Local in Darien!” passport at Barrett Bookstore with the names of all the participating sites, and get their passport stamped or signed for each Waldo they spot. The first 125 Waldo seekers to get their passports stamped or signed at 10 or more sites can bring their passports back to Barrett Bookstore to collect prizes. Collecting store stamps or signatures at all twenty-four businesses will entitle diligent seekers entry into a grand prize drawing on Friday, July 29 with the top prize being a 6-volume deluxe set of Waldo books.
In celebration of Waldo's longevity and popularity, his American publisher, Candlewick Press, is once again teaming up with the American Booksellers Association and 250 independent bookstores all across the country, including Barrett Bookstore here in Darien, for some hide and seek fun as well as to encourage communities to patronize their local businesses. There is no charge to participate, and the hunt lasts for the entire month of July.
For more information about hunting for Waldo and Woof in Darien, call Barrett Bookstore at (203) 655-2712.