Where's Waldo? Iconic cartoon character hiding in Brighton all month

BRIGHTON — You won’t need a book to find Waldo in Brighton this month.

Local businesses are participating in "Find Waldo Local" throughout the month of July.

2 Dandelions Bookshop — 428 W Main St. — is organizing the event, according to a news release. There is no cost to participate.

Find Waldo Local has taken place in communities nationwide for a dozen years. Candlewick Press and the American Booksellers Association help bring the event to 310 independent bookstores across the country.

Waldo — known for his red and white striped shirt, black glasses and ski cap — was created by Martin Handford. More than 80 million Waldo books have been sold worldwide, according to the release, as people enjoy searching for the iconic character in large crowds of people.

Kelly Blazo, event coordinator at 2 Dandelions, said this is the first time Find Waldo is taking place in Brighton. Candlewick Press extended an invitation to the bookshop to participate this year.

“I jumped on it,” Blazo said.

Families can search at 29 businesses in Brighton, including Oh My Lolli, Dairy Queen, Brass and Oak, Wood ‘N Things, and Great Harvest Bread Co. They should start by picking up a stamp card at 2 Dandelions. Participating shops will stamp their card and sign when they find a miniature Waldo at their respective location.

Those who collect stamps or signatures at 25 or more businesses will be entered into a grand prize drawing for Waldo books and other prizes donated by local merchants.

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A celebration party is scheduled for 2-4 p.m. Saturday, July 27, at 2 Dandelions. Winners don’t need to be present to win. Participants can also look for Waldo’s gold medal, hidden in 2 Dandelions.

The public has taken an interest, Blazo said.

“We're hoping it brings a boost of downtown foot traffic for Main Street,” Blazo said. “We hope while they’re in there they’ll see something else that catches their eye. Hopefully that translates to a couple of sales for these businesses.”

Learn more by calling 2 Dandelions at 810-522-5310. A map of all participating stores is available online at indiebound.org.

— Contact reporter Evan Sasiela at esasiela@livingstondaily.com. Follow him on Twitter @SalsaEvan.