Jun. 26, 2023
Record number of businesses to participate
Knoxvillians and visitors can solve the classic question of “Where’s Waldo?” this summer in Downtown Knoxville. The master of hide-and-seek returns to local merchants, thanks to the Downtown Knoxville Alliance, for the sixth annual scavenger hunt from July 1-31.
“The Where’s Waldo? Scavenger Hunt is a fun way for families, visitors and players of all ages to discover all that’s new in downtown Knoxville,” said Michele Hummel, executive director of the Downtown Knoxville Alliance. “Whether you’re waiting for a table, enjoying summer vacation or challenging yourself to find all 40 Waldo cutouts throughout July, this free activity offers plenty of entertainment.”
More merchants than ever before are participating, including familiar and new shops, restaurants and other locations. Players can identify participating merchants by the window clings displayed at the entrance. Inside, ask for a passport and hunt high and low for Waldo. Once he’s spotted, players can ask for a stamp of their passport and continue the search at the next stop. The free Knoxville Trolley will help participants explore the city and collect stamps.
Seekers who earn 20 or more stamps can enter to win gift cards and prizes – kids and adults are eligible. 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.
“The real prize of the Where’s Waldo? Scavenger Hunt is the memories made, and we appreciate the business owners and employees who make this event and every day downtown special,” Hummel said. “Enhance your experience by exploring a museum, tasting something new or getting a souvenir. Your support directly benefits our community!”
Players can pose in front of the Where’s Waldo? photo op in Market Square 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 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.
