Search begins in downtown Winslow

Published 8:32 am Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Where’s Waldo?

In downtown Winslow on Bainbridge Island, of course.

The famously elusive children’s book character in the striped shirt and black-rimmed specs is visiting 25 different local businesses/institutions throughout the community in July.

Those who spot him can win prizes, including buttons, book coupons and more.

From the Bainbridge Public Library to Pretty Stick, from Winslow Drug to The Traveler, Waldo figures will be well-hidden in local business establishments. Organizers of the hunt said Find Waldo Local is a great summer vacation activity and a wonderful way for residents to support local business and the national shop local movement.

Anyone who wishes to participate can pick up a “Find Waldo Local on Bainbridge Island!” passport at Eagle Harbor Book Company, 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 to Eagle Harbor Book Company to collect prizes.

Collecting store stamps or signatures at 20 or more businesses will entitle diligent seekers entry into a grand prize drawing on July 31, with the top prize being a six-volume deluxe set of Waldo books.

“Where’s Waldo” is the creation of Martin Handford, whose entertaining drawings of crowd scenes swept the world in the late ‘80s.

Since then, the “Where’s Waldo” books have held a cherished spot on bookstore shelves the world over. There are now over 63 million Waldo books in print worldwide and they’ve been translated into over 30 languages. An entire generation has grown up searching for Waldo and his cast of wandering companions.

For more information about hunting for Waldo on Bainbridge, call Victoria Irwin, events coordinator at Eagle Harbor Book Company, at 206-842-5332.