Photos: Chris Emeott
Shop owner organizes annual scavenger hunt to promote local businesses.
If you like scouring colorful book pages for that bespectacled character with the red-and-white striped shirt and beanie, just imagine a real-life hunt for Waldo. For the last two summers, Rima Parikh, owner of Wayzata’s The Thinking Spot, has organized Find Waldo Local, a monthlong event in July that gives participants a chance to find a standee cutout of Waldo hidden at businesses scattered throughout Minnetonka, Wayzata and Plymouth.
Find Waldo Local is part of a nationwide event co-sponsored by Candlewick Press and the American Booksellers Association to promote shopping local. Parikh says she learned of the event when she saw other Twin Cities booksellers hosting hunts. “I loved the idea of promoting local,” she says. “I love promoting this community of businesses and people.”
Parikh first applied to host an event in 2023. After being approved, she drummed up support from 20 local businesses willing to hide a Waldo standee at their establishment and stamp passports for participants who found it. Parikh says that kids love searching for Waldo, and parents have told her that they are happy to discover new businesses. “It was a blast for (businesses) too,” she says.
Find Waldo Local offers a wonderful opportunity for community members to learn about and support local businesses. And, it’s fun!
Lesa Fenwick, owner of Candlelight Floral & Gifts in Wayzata, has participated since the beginning, calling it, “A fun, free experience for families to get out into the community and visit stores they otherwise might not go into.” Dance West owner Katie Markey-Nash says it has proudly participated for the last two years. “We were inspired to join because we love seeing kids explore their local community,” she says.
It also provided great exposure for the dance studio. “The event has had a fantastic impact, boosting our foot traffic and raising awareness about our dance classes and offerings,” she says.
Parikh had 19 participating businesses last year, and that included The Brost Clinic. “It was a very fun event and a great way to advertise small businesses while meeting new people around the community,” says Caroline Brost-Sailer, D.C., the chiropractic clinic’s CEO. Base Camp Coffee & Provisions in Minnetonka also joined. Averee Peterson, general manager of Bace Camp says she was excited when Parikh contacted her last year. “Find Waldo brought many smiles and laughs to the Base Camp atmosphere,” she says. “My staff and I enjoyed seeing kids running inside to find our hidden Waldo and giving people hints if they couldn’t find him. It was fun to have an event that connected other local businesses and community members. We couldn’t have been happier with the outcome.”
For the hunters, there are stickers and coupons along the way as they collect stamps from the businesses. Those who fill their passport are entered into a raffle for bigger prizes at the wrap party. “I ask each participating business to contribute something for the raffle,” Parikh says.
As she readies for third year of Find Waldo Local, Parikh says that businesses are throwing around other ideas for collaboration. That’s music to her ears. “It’s such a great reminder to people to support local businesses,” she says.
The Thinking Spot
3311 County Road 101 #4, Wayzata; 952.217.5682
Facebook: The Thinking Spot
Instagram: @thinkingspotus
X: @ThinkingSpotUS
