Where’s Waldo in Navasota?

Muddy Water Bookstore owner Suzie Linnenbank has brought Waldo to town and he’s hiding somewhere in Navasota. Linnenbank has the distinction of being one of only 250 bookstores out of 2,500 in the United States selected for ‘Find Waldo Local,’ a shop-local initiative sponsored by Candlewick Press and the American Booksellers Association.

The first step in finding Waldo is to obtain a “passport” from Linnebank or participating merchants who display the Find Waldo Local decal. Then search for the Waldo cutout and when he’s spotted, have the merchant sign or stamp the passport.

The contest began Monday, July 1, and ends Saturday, July 27, with food, games, Waldo items and other prizes at a party at Muddy Water Bookstore from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Spotters who collect stamps or signatures from at least 10 different participants will receive an “I Found Waldo” button. Linnebank is embracing the theme all month long in costume as Waldo’s sister, Wenda, and Navasotans are also advised that a live Waldo might make an appearance in the downtown area.

According to Linnenbank, 25 businesses and organizations enthusiastically responded to the opportunity to participate. In addition to Muddy Water who is also harboring Waldo’s arch nemesis, Odlaw, are Klassy Korner, Wells Fargo Bank, Navasota Emporium, Navasota Animal Shelter, Bluebonnet Collectibles, Circle P Antiques, Navasota Grimes Chamber of Commerce, Navasota Library, P. Nemir, Paris Pink/ Cowboy Blue, Rockin’ M Designs, Navasota City Hall, Bee Weaver Honey Farm, Martha’s Bloomers, Vintage 105, Stonecroft Marketplace, Baylor Lumber, The Menagerie Art Gallery, One Stop Cleaners, Classic Rock Coffee Café, Martin’s Sweet Shop, Prosperity Bank, Navasota Fire Department and the The Gallery Downtown.

Linnenbank said, “Everybody who agreed to participate thought it was the best idea ever.”

As a first-time Find Waldo Local bookstore, Linnenbank is appreciative of the publicity boost she is receiving from fellow bookstore owner, Stephani Kelley of the Book Nook in Brenham, who is promoting Muddy Water on her passport. Linnenbank plans to create a YouTube video of Finding Waldo Local activities to capture the event and as a way to publicly thank the participating stores and entities.