Where’s Waldo in Oxford, Mississippi?

Where’s Waldo? In Oxford, of course. He’s turning twenty-five this year, and to celebrate, the famous fellow in the striped shirt and black-rimmed specs is visiting local businesses all through the month of July. Those who spot him can win prizes, including buttons, books, and more. From Knit1 Oxford to Nest Paper Studio, Holli’s Sweet to Belles and Beaus,Waldo figures are showing up in twenty-five  local establishments. Anyone who wishes to participate can pick up a “Find Waldo in Oxford, Mississippi” search list with the names of all the businesses or see the list below, and collect an “I Found Waldo” card for each Waldo they spot. Collecting cards in twenty or more businesses and turning them in at Square Books, Jr. will win a Waldo prize and an entry for the grand prize drawing at a Waldo party on July 31.  People who prefer a shorter version of the hunt can collect the cards from ten businesses and pick up a Waldo button at Square Books, Jr.

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 over 55 million Waldo books in print worldwide and they’ve been translated into eighteen 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 250 independent bookstores all across the country, including Square Books here in Oxford, to have fun and encourage people to visit local businesses. There is no charge to participate, and the game lasts for the entire month of July.  Waldo will make his debut on the historic Square on Saturday, June 30 during the Oxford Downtown Council’s “Happy Birthday, Oxford! Summer Fest.”  For more information about hunting for Waldo in Oxford, MS, contact Square Books, Jr. at 662-236-2207.

The 25 participating businesses are AC’s Bed and Bath, Amy Head Cosmetics,  Belles and Beaus, Cat Daddy’s, The Frame-Up, Holli’s Sweet Tooth, Indigo’s, J. E. Nielson’s (children’s department), The Kaleidoscope, Knit1 Oxford, The Lily Pad, Lulu’s, Nella, Nest Paper Studio, Off Square Books, Pink & Proper, Something Southern, Square Books, Square Books, Jr., Stash, Tummies Maternity, Therapy on the Square, University Sporting Goods, Warehouse 605, and YaYa’s.

Where’s Waldo Hiding in
The Local Voice #159?

We have hidden 25 Waldos in the pages of this issue of The Local Voice. See if you can spot him all 25 times! Once you do, keep track of Waldo in your copy of TLV, and then e-mail us at thelocalvoiceATthelocalvoiceDOTNET or call the office at 662-232-8900 to find out how you can win awesome prizes from local bands and businesses like T-shirts, stickers, huggies, hats, CDs and MORE!