BY LANCE GAITHER

lance.gaither@bluegrassnewsmedia.com

Since the 1980s “Where’s Waldo” books have been a childhood icon with more than 80 million books sold. To celebrate the titular character, Plaid Elephant Books and 25 other businesses have partnered to bring a hunt for Waldo to downtown Danville starting July 1.

“Candlewick Press, the publisher of ‘Where’s Waldo’, have created this national program Find Waldo Local,” said Plaid Elephant Books owner Kate Snyder. “They pick 300 independent book stores across the country to be a participant. You have to apply for so we did and got picked.”

A small cardboard cutout will be hidden at each participating business. Searchers will pick up a passport at Plaid Elephant Books and each business will check off on your passport when you find Waldo. Finding 10 Waldos will earn a small prize from Plaid Elephant Books. If you find at least 20 you will be entered into a drawing for free Waldo Books and gift certificates.

“The really fun thing about is that all ages can join in,” Snyder said. “It is a great free activity for kids and families but we have a lot of adults who do it on their own. Everybody loves Waldo and has memories of looking for him when they were growing up. Last year the thing I heard most was that people loved discovering businesses they didn’t even know were downtown. The big benefit is that it can be an event for all of downtown and drive extra foot traffic to all of these businesses.”

The hunt will run until the 20th where prize drawings and a Waldo party will be held as part of Third Thursdays.

“I am still working with the city for what that is going to look like,” Snyder said. “I’m hoping we can close 3rd Street and have stuff for in the street.”

Participation is free and passports can be found at Plaid Elephant Books. Businesses participating are Morley’s Backyard, Front Porch CBD, CAMP, Derby Shoppe & Raggs, the Boyle County Library, Elmwood Inn Fine Teas, The Studio, African American Historical Society of Danville/Boyle County, Cerci on Main, The Hub, Centre College Bookstore, The Catered Dog, Bricks & Brews, The Purple Peacock, Carol’s Bridal, La Cosa Nostra, Danville Office Equipment, Maple Tree Gallery, Dry Stack Coffee, Shake It Danville, Art Center of the Bluegrass, Danville Poke & Ramen, Paint Parties, Bran’s Boutique and Anderson’s Lifestyle Boutique.