📚 Where's Waldo? He's hiding all over Dixon!

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Elsie Gordon from Books on First to discuss the return of Find Waldo Local in Dixon, Illinois. The month-long community scavenger hunt encourages residents and visitors to explore local businesses while searching for everyone's favorite striped character.

Learn how the event works, how to pick up a stamp card, where to find Waldo, and how participants can qualify for prize drawings during the August celebration party. Elsie also shares how the nationwide program helps support small businesses and gives families a fun and free summer activity.

Plus, discover the bonus character hiding at Books on First and hear what else is happening this summer in downtown Dixon.

🎉 EVENT INFORMATION

📅 Find Waldo Local

July 1–31, 2026

📍 Location

Participating businesses throughout downtown Dixon, Illinois

📝 How to Participate

• Pick up a stamp card at Books on First or a participating business.

• Find Waldo at participating locations throughout the month.

• Locate Wizard Whitebeard at Books on First for an additional stamp.

• Return your completed card to qualify for prize drawings.

🎈 Celebration Party

📅 August 1, 2026

🕐 1:00 p.m.

📍 Books on First

The celebration includes games, refreshments, snacks, and multiple prize drawings. Participants only need 10 stamps to enter the first prize drawing, and everyone is welcome to attend the party.

Learn more about Books on First:

https://www.booksonfirst.com

👉 Don’t forget to like, share, comment and subscribe for more local stories from the Sauk Valley and beyond.

🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online

🎤 Timestamps & Highlights:

00:00 Intro

00:24 Meet Elsie Gordon from Books on First

00:35 What is Find Waldo Local?

01:20 How the scavenger hunt works

02:20 Event dates and how to participate

02:43 Prize party and grand prize drawings

03:27 How many Waldos do you need to find?

03:42 Is Find Waldo just for kids?

04:19 Supporting downtown Dixon and local businesses

05:54 Summer events at Books on First

06:19 Final thoughts

06:30 Closing

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