Where’s Waldo? In Farmington, of course. The iconic children’s book character in the red-and-white-striped shirt and black-rimmed specs plans to visit 20 local businesses throughout the community this July. Find Waldo Local is a free, family friendly summer activity and a way to support local businesses, including 3-D Games, Better Living Center, and Twice Sold Tales.

Anyone who wishes to participate can pick up a Find Waldo Local in Farmington! stamp card, which contains the names of participating sites; with each Waldo they spot, they can get their card stamped or signed by the participating shop. Waldo also has misplaced his glasses in DDG Booksellers, so eagle-eyed hunters can find those as well. Collecting store stamps or signatures at 16 or more businesses will entitle diligent seekers entry into a grand-prize drawing for Waldo books and paraphernalia, according to a news release from Kenny Brechner at DDG Booksellers.

Martin Handford’s collections of crowd scenes took the world by storm in the late 1980s, and since then the books have held a cherished place on bookstore shelves. More than 80 million Waldo books have been sold worldwide, and they’ve been translated into over 30 languages.

Once again, in celebration of Waldo’s longevity and popularity, Candlewick Press is teaming up with the American Booksellers Association and hundreds of independent bookstores nationwide for some hide-and-seek fun designed to encourage residents to patronize their local businesses.

There is no charge to participate, and the hunt lasts for the entire month of July.

For more information, call DDG Booksellers at 207-778-3454.

Check out other upcoming area events!