'Waldo' returns to hiding spots across Raleigh

Waldo, the bespectacled picture book hero, is making the rounds across Raleigh again at two dozen local businesses.

The popular Where's Waldo hunt, which took a hiatus last summer, returns, offering a fun and free activity for families who can search for a small cardboard cutout of the character at 24 local independent stores in Raleigh through the month of July.

To participate, pick up a "Find Waldo Local in Raleigh" passport at Quail Ridge Books & Music in Raleigh, according to the Shop Local Raleigh website. The passport will list the names of all of the participating sites. You can visit the businesses to find Waldo and get the passport stamped. The first 100 Waldo finders to get their passports stamped or signed at 10 or more sites can then return to Quail Ridge for a sticker and a $1 coupon off a Waldo book.

You also can turn in passports with stamps or signatures from 10 or more businesses to be part of a grand-prize drawing for a variety of gift certificates and a volume set of Waldo books, among other prizes. The Waldo Wrap-Up party is 2 p.m., Aug. 1, at Quail Ridge.