Jun. 25, 2024
This summer, visitors and locals can explore Downtown Knoxville to find Waldo, the master of hide-and-seek. The scavenger hunt returns, thanks to downtown merchants and the Downtown Knoxville Alliance, for the seventh annual event from July 1-31.
“The Where’s Waldo? Scavenger Hunt is fun for all ages and an exciting way to explore Downtown Knoxville each summer,” said Michele Hummel, executive director of the Downtown Knoxville Alliance. “Whether you’ve been eagerly awaiting his return, stumbled across a Waldo cutout by chance or are hearing about it for the first time, this free activity offers plenty of entertainment.”
More merchants than ever before are participating, including shops, restaurants and other locations. Players can identify participating merchants by the window clings displayed at the entrance. Inside, ask for a Waldo Passport and hunt high and low for his striped shirt. Once he’s spotted, players can ask for a stamp of their passport and continue the search at the next stop.
Seekers who earn 20 or more stamps can enter to win gift cards and prizes. The first 400 spotters also can claim a “Found Waldo Knox” sticker at Union Ave Books, the host location of the Where’s Waldo? Scavenger Hunt.
“Making memories along the way of the Where’s Waldo? Scavenger Hunt is the real reward of this experience,” Hummel said. “We appreciate the dedicated business owners and employees who make this event a success and contribute to the vibrant downtown atmosphere. We encourage scavenger hunters to support participating locations by making a quick purchase to remember the day, grabbing a bite to eat or discovering the activities they have to offer as well.”
Players can pose in front of the Where’s Waldo? photo op in Market Square or share any photo from the hunt for another chance to win prizes. Those who share their scavenger hunt memories using the hashtag #foundwaldoknox on social media will have weekly chances to win gift cards from the winner’s choice of participating merchants.
Candlewick Press, the publisher of Where’s Waldo?, partnered with the American Booksellers Association to establish scavenger hunts across the country. The event, hosted by downtown’s Union Ave Books, encourages residents and visitors to view cities with fresh eyes, which are needed to spot Waldo!
For more information about Where’s Waldo? and other happenings in Downtown Knoxville, visit downtownknoxville.org/waldo.
About the Downtown Knoxville Alliance
Ensuring a vibrant, flourishing downtown is the primary mission of the Downtown Knoxville Alliance (DKA). Formed in 1993 as a Central Business Improvement District (CBID), the district encompasses a 0.67-square-mile area and is supported by a special assessment to property owners that is used to make improvements, enhance services and promote downtown. The DKA continually focuses on attracting and retaining a thriving community of residents, businesses and visitors in Downtown Knoxville. For more information, visit downtownknoxville.org.
Gino Peterson
