“Where’s Waldo?” In Real Life Is Happening Here In Augusta
As a kid, I’ve always loved the “Where’s Waldo” books. So, you can probably imagine my excitement when I heard that downtown Augusta’s “The Book Tavern” is doing a real-life version of the book!
Now through August 2nd, you can look for Waldo in select downtown businesses to collect a stamp from that business. If you collect 10 stamps, you’ll get a free, exclusive “HAPPY” Waldo button and a $1 off coupon for a “Where’s Waldo” book from The Book Tavern.
If you collect 18 stamps, You’ll be entered into a drawing for a six-volume deluxe set of Waldo books along with some other prizes (including items some from participating businesses).
Who’s Waldo And Where Did He Come From?
Hearing about this got me excited for the event. But, it also made me curious about Waldo and where, exactly, he came from. The answer: He came from Wally.
In 1986, a Walker Books illustrator was asked to develop a book of detailed crowd scenes. The key word here is: ‘Detailed.’ If you’ve ever seen a “Where’s Waldo” or “Where’s Wally” illustration, there’s quite a lot going on. Think of a drawing of about 100 different characters just after the drop in the viral ‘Harlem Shake’ dance. That’s what a “Where’s Waldo?” drawing looks like.
Anyway, the illustrator, Martin Handford, developed the “Wally” character, always dressed in red and white, to be hidden amongst the crowd scenes. In September 1987, the first “Where’s Wally?” book was released in the UK while the book was marketed in America as “Where’s Waldo?”
But, Seriously, Where’s Waldo?
Over the years, Waldo (and Wally) has become more and more difficult to find. Waldo and his UK counterpart have been the subject of many books, magazines, television series, video games, a Super Bowl commercial and almost a movie 4 separate times. The books have even gained some other characters along the way.
I’ve always enjoyed looking for Waldo. Maybe that’s why I lose things so often: my keys, my phone, my mind. But, maybe I can go a little while without misplacing those things for a while, now that I can search for Waldo in some of my favorite downtown businesses.
The Grand Waldo celebration and prize drawing is at The Book Tavern, Friday August 2. Happy searching!