Community News

     Where's Waldo? In Oswego, of course.

     The famous children's book character in the striped shirt and black-rimmed specs is visiting 25 different local businesses throughout our community this July. Those who spot him can win prizes, including stickers, book coupons and more. From Cakes Galore & More at 40 E. Seneca St. to Green Planet Grocery at 18 E. Cayuga St., from Dufore's for Diamonds at 94 W. Second St. to Midnight Sun at 177 W. First St., Waldo figures will be well hidden in 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 Oswego!" passport with the names of all the 25 participating sites and get their passport stamped or signed for each Waldo they spot.
     The first 100 Waldo seekers to get their passports stamped or signed at 10 or more sites can bring their passports back to the river's end bookstore, 19 W. Bridge St., to collect prizes. Collecting store stamps or signatures at 20 or more businesses will entitle diligent seekers to entry in a grand prize drawing 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 1987. Since then, the Where's Waldo books have held a cherished spot on bookstore shelves the world over. There are now more than 58 million Waldo books in print worldwide and they have been translated into 18 languages. An entire generation has grown up searching for Waldo and his cast of wandering companions.
     In celebration of Waldo's longevity and popularity, his American publisher, Candlewick Press, is teaming up with the American Booksellers Association and 265 independent bookstores all across the country, including the river's end bookstore here in Oswego for some hide and seek fun as well as to encourage communities to patronize their local businesses.
     There is no charge to participate and the hunt lasts for the entire month of July. For more information about hunting for Waldo in Oswego, call the river's end bookstore at 342-0077.