Where’s Waldo? This month, the iconic red-and-white-striped character is hiding all over Folsom—and the community is invited to join the fun.
Ruby’s Books has once again joined forces with Candlewick Press and the American Booksellers Association for the annual “Find Waldo Local” scavenger hunt. This nationwide event, designed to celebrate the “Shop Local” movement, returns to Folsom for the month of July with more than twenty local businesses participating.
A total of 325 independent bookstores are taking part in the 2025 edition of Find Waldo Local. Here in Folsom, 23 locations are hiding mini Waldos, from the Folsom Public Library to Snooks Candies, Brainy Zoo Toys, and the Folsom History Museum. There is no charge to participate, and the event runs through the end of July.
Here’s how it works: Search for Waldo—red-and-white stripes and all—hidden in 23 different Folsom locations. Every time you find him, get your card stamped. You can pick up a “Find Waldo Local in Folsom, CA!” stamp card at any participating store.
Bonus: You can earn two stamps at Ruby’s Books, where Waldo’s red-and-white magnifying glass is hidden alongside Waldo himself. Find both and collect the bonus stamp!
There are great rewards along the way. Collect 10 stamps and return your card to Ruby’s to receive a Waldo sticker and a $1-off coupon (limited to the first 125 participants). Gather 15 or more stamps and you’ll be entered into a prize drawing for a deluxe Waldo prize pack and a $100 cash grand prize.
The hunt concludes with a community celebration party at Ruby’s Books on August 3 at 4 p.m. Prize winners will be announced at the event, and everyone who participated is welcome to attend.
Participating businesses this year include: Back Bistro; Ben & Jerry’s (coming soon to Sutter Street); Brainy Zoo Toys; Coffee Republic; Dorthea’s Shoppe; Folsom History Museum; Full Sol Market; Mike’s Bikes; MTT Collective; Not Too Shabby Shop; Rainbow Bridge Jewelers; Ruby’s Books; S’Barkles; Snooks Candies; Stone & Birch Boutique; Sun and Shade by MTT; Sweet Vivienne; Swoon Studio Co.; Terra Cottage; The Folsom Café; Folsom Public Library; The Game Getaway; and Wolf Home.
Originally created by British illustrator Martin Handford, Waldo has been delighting fans around the world since the late 1980s. The character’s signature crowd scenes have become a beloved pastime for families, selling more than 80 million books and translated into over 30 languages.
For more information about how to participate in Find Waldo Local in Folsom, visit rubysfolsom.com.
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