Find Waldo in Napa 2022!

For ten years, children’s book character Waldo, in his signature red-and-white-striped shirt and black glasses, has been visiting local communities across the country as part of an annual Find Waldo Local campaign. In 2022, using Waldo as their ambassador, independent bookstores from Alaska to Florida will again host scavenger hunts while spreading the “shop local” message in their cities and towns. Candlewick Press, the children’s book publisher based in Somerville, MA, has once again
partnered with the American Booksellers Association on a robust consumer promotion that seeks to drive bookstore traffic, strengthen local business alliances, encourage summer reading, and reinforce the importance of shopping local.


Started in 2012, Find Waldo Local has become a tradition in communities nationwide. Local customers and summer vacationers stop by participating independent bookstores throughout July to pick up a Find Waldo Local guide. Small Waldo standees are hidden in up to twenty-five local businesses, and seekers are encouraged to find him in all the shops participating in the program. In 2022, Candlewick is adding an additional search-and-find element for fans, with a slightly different Waldo hiding in bookstores. Local shopping is even more important as retailers emerge from the pandemic, as it provides jobs for residents, brings people together in a positive way, and reduces environmental impacts.



What is Find Waldo Local? It’s a monthlong scavenger hunt for Waldo hosted by more than two hundred and fifty independent bookstores across the United States. Participating bookstores champion the “shop local” message by enlivening downtown areas with the community-wide activity, to which everyone— kids, parents, and Waldo-lovers of all ages—is invited to participate for free.
How does Find Waldo Local work? On July 1, 2022, Waldo-spotters will set off to find the elusive character, who is hidden in dozens of downtown businesses on main streets across America. Participants pick up a Find Waldo stampcard at their local bookstore and collect a store stamp or signature for each Waldo they locate. Win prizes for finding all the Waldos!!

You can also download and print your own Find Waldo in Napa Passport below! Be sure to print on both sides, flipping on the short edge, to make it a booklet.