Kenosha — Where’s Waldo? In Kenosha, of course! Celebrating its thirteenth anniversary in July 2025, Find Waldo Local has become a beloved summertime event in communities nationwide. This year, Candlewick Press and the American Booksellers Association are again teaming up with 310 independent bookstores nationwide, including Blue House Books, 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.
Families love joining the scavenger hunt to find the iconic children’s book character, with his red-and-white-striped shirt and black glasses, hidden in over twenty local businesses, including Sandy’s Popper, East View Coffee, and local museums! Find Waldo Local is a wonderful way to support the Shop Local movement by increasing foot traffic to a variety of stores.
“This is our third year participating in the Find Waldo Local scavenger hunt, and it gets bigger every year!” said Samantha Jacquest, owner of Blue House Books. “We are partnering with some of Kenosha’s favorite locally owned and operated businesses and organizations, and several new businesses around town. This is such a great way for Kenosha residents and visitors to explore new shops and spaces they may not have even known about!”
To join in the fun, participants can pick up a “Find Waldo Local in Kenosha!” stamp card at Blue House Books starting July 1st. With each miniature Waldo they spot, searchers get their card stamped or signed by the participating shop. Collecting store stamps or signatures at twenty or more businesses will entitle diligent seekers entry into a grand-prize drawing for Waldo books and other prizes, including gift certificates and products from the participating businesses. All participants are welcome to attend the closing celebration, organized by Blue House Books on July 31st! Check our website for the official event announcement soon.
