Bethel's Byrd's Books Hosts Month-Long 'Where's Waldo' Fest

BETHEL, CT -- In Arabic, he's Fuḍūlī (فضولي). In Hindi, he's Heṭṭi (हेट्टी). In Hebrew, he's Efi (אפי). In Korean, he's Wolli (월리). In Greek, he's Gouόli (Γουόλι). In French, Charle; German, Walter; Italian, Ubaldo. But in Spain, Portugal, and Bethel, Connecticut, he's Waldo, and this July 1 through 31, Waldo is hiding in Bethel's Byrd’s Books and 24 other Bethel businesses, and it’s your job to find him!

Just pick up a Where’s Waldo passport at any participating business or print it out here. Once you’ve found Waldo at 10 different businesses, head back to Waldo Local Headquarters, better known as Byrd’s Books, to pick up your prizes — an "I Found Waldo" button and a coupon for $1 off any Waldo book in the store (limited to the first 125 Waldo spotters). Byrd's Books is located at 126 Greenwood Avenue, across from P.T. Barnum Square, in Bethel.

Waldo hunters who get their passports stamped or signed at 20 or more businesses are invited to attend the popular bookstore's Where’s Waldo party, which will be held on Tuesday, July 31st at 4:30 p.m. at Byrd’s Books. If you get 20 or more stamps/signatures, you’ll also have the chance to enter the grand prize drawing for the treasured, deluxe Where’s Waldo complete boxed set. The drawing will be held at the party, and you must be present to win the top prizes.

In 1987 Waldo, always decked out in his trademark red-and-white striped sweater and glasses, was created by the English artist and illustrator, Martin Handford. The character was originally named Wally in the United Kingdom. ("In England," Handford explained to The New York Times, "If someone says something silly or looks slightly foolish, he is called a 'Wally'. He is a little goofy, but well-meaning.") The first four books sold more than 18 million copies worldwide, and since then, the Where's Wally series has sold more than 55 million books in more than 35 countries and 30 languages. You can find out more about this international phenomenon by looking up Where's Wally in Wikipedia online.

Byrd's Books is open Tuesdays through Saturdays 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Sundays 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m.

Byrd's Books is a general bookstore that carries only new titles, with a special focus on Connecticut authors, poets, publishers and illustrators.

Image provided by Byrd's Books.