Where's Waldo? In Santa Cruz, of course.
Beginning Monday, July 1st (and during the entire month of July), the famous children’s book character in the striped shirt and black-rimmed specs is visiting local businesses throughout our community. Sponsored by Bookshop Santa Cruz and the Downtown Association of Santa Cruz, Waldo figures will be well-hidden in Bookshop Santa Cruz and other local business establishments. Find Waldo 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 Santa Cruz!” Passport at Bookshop Santa Cruz, the Downtown Information Kiosk or any participating business starting on July 1st. The passport names all the participating sites, and challenges children to get their passport stamped or signed for each Waldo they spot. The first 100 Waldo seekers to get their passports stamped or signed at ten or more sites can bring their passports back to Bookshop Santa Cruz to collect prizes. Collecting store stamps or signatures at twenty or more businesses will entitle diligent seekers to enter a grand prize drawing, with the top prize being a 6-volume deluxe set of Waldo books as well as other prizes from participating merchants.
A celebration for completing the hunt will be held on Sunday afternoon, August 4th at 2:00 at Bookshop Santa Cruz, with a Waldo party including a Waldo costume contest for kids, games and activities, a raffle for prizes, and even a visit from Waldo himself!