An independent Okotoks book seller is sending customers Waldo watching.
From July 1 to 31, Yooneek Books has organized ‘Where's Waldo in Okotoks!’ where a cardboard cutout of the titular character from the famed Where’s Waldo series will be hiding in several businesses around town.
“It’s been a lot of fun, and already we’ve heard a lot of people come back and have really enjoyed it,” said Rae-Lynne Byerley, co-owner of Yooneek Books.
Candlewick Press, the publisher of the Waldo books, facilitated the event, and has been doing so in other communities for a number of years, Byerley explained, and only with independent bookstores.
Participating in the event are 22 locations, all local businesses or public institutions, such as the Okotoks Public Library and Okotoks Museum and Archives.
Each has a cardboard Waldo, with the exception of Yooneek, which has a pair of Waldo glasses hidden somewhere in the shop.
Waldo watchers can pick up a passport at the participating businesses, getting it signed at each stop when they find him.
The first 25 people to get 10 stamps receive a Waldo button and Yooneek Books coupon, and anyone who finds at least 15 will be entered in a draw on July 31 for various prizes, including a number of Where’s Waldo books, as well as prizes from different businesses.
“It’s getting lots of positive feedback. People are commenting about how they didn’t know about some of these businesses, and some are new,” Byerley said.
“It’s fun. Waldo is everywhere, so he’s easy to recognize for every age level; we had teens coming in today doing it, and we’ve had adults.”
While Waldo may be elusive, Byerley didn’t have to look hard for businesses that wanted to take part.
“When we first went around to the businesses and asked if they wanted to be included, lots of them didn’t blink, they were like, ‘Yes, we want to be involved,’” she said.
“So, it was really well received from the businesses, and even the people so far starting to do it are very excited about it.”
As the interview with Byerley concluded, Celeste Howe came into the shop with her three children on their Waldo hunt.
“It’s actually really fun, because we get to tour and see stores we don’t normally go to,” said Howe, an Okotoks resident.
“They (her kids) are excited, and then it’s really strategic the ones they pick, the ones they pick they get ice cream and cookies and little treats along the way.
“Some are harder to find than others, but they’re loving it.”
Working in one of the other participating businesses, Loop Kids, Howe has seen the other side of the coin as well.
“It’s so good for the community, because we’re having so many customers come in – it's bringing people into the stores,” she said.
For more information about the Where's Waldo in Okotoks! event, visit yooneekbooks.ca.
