Where's Waldo? Hiding in businesses across Raleigh

Last year, my kids and I were on a search across downtown Raleigh for Waldo ... that bespectacled, striped-shirt guy from the popular search and find books.

It was a celebration of the series' 25th anniversary and it led us to locally owned shops mostly in downtown Raleigh.

The event here and elsewhere proved so popular that Waldo's American publisher, Candlewick Press, is teaming up with the American Booksellers Association and 265 independent bookstores across the country, to launch fans on a big search for him ... or, at least, a small cardboard version of him .... again. In Raleigh, Quail Ridge Books & Music and Shop Local Raleigh is leading the effort.

This month, Waldo will be visiting 23 Raleigh stores. Those who spot him can win prizes, including stickers, book coupons and more. Businesses include, among others, Burke Brothers Hardware on Hillsborough Street, Mobley's Shoes on Creedmoor Road, Quail Ridge Books on Wade Avenue and Whalebone Urban Surf Shop in North Hills.

To participate, pick up a Where's Waldo passport at Quail Ridge Books or any of the participating businesses. The first 100 Waldo seekers to get their passports stamped or signed at 10 more more sites can bring their passports back to Quail Ridge to collect prizes and be entered into the grand prize drawings at a Waldo Party at 6 p.m., Aug. 1, at Quail Ridge. Prizes include gift cards, a bowling party, cupcakes and a deluxe set of Waldo books. 

It's free to participate. And it's a lot of fun. We're getting our passports! 

Check Quail Ridge's website and the event's Facebook page for details.