Find Waldo Local has become a beloved summertime activity in communities nationwide, and now the event has come to Lititz.

This year, Candlewick Press and the American Booksellers Association are again teaming up with 325 independent bookstores nationwide, including Aaron's Books in Lititz, for hide-and-seek fun designed to encourage residents to patronize their local businesses. There is no charge to participate, and the hunt will last for the entire month of July.

Families will enjoy joining the scavenger hunt to find the iconic children's book character, with his red-and-white-striped shirt and black glasses, hidden in 25 local downtown Lititz businesses, including Bunyaad Marketplace, Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, Slate Cafe and Wilbur Chocolate.

Find Waldo Local is a way to support the Shop Local movement by increasing foot traffic to a variety of stores.

According to Sam Droke-Dickinson, co-owner of Aaron's Books, this is the book store's seventh time participating in the event. He noted that each year more and more families are enjoying the scavenger hunt, which may lead to the discovery of a new favorite shop or eatery in downtown Lititz.

To participate, people can simply pick up a "Find Waldo Local in Lititz!" stamp card at any of the participating stores. With each miniature Waldo they spot, searchers get their card stamped or signed at the participating shop. Collecting store stamps or signatures at 20 or more businesses will allow seekers an entry into a grand-prize drawing for Waldo books and other prizes, including donations from local businesses.

For more information about hunting for Waldo in Lititz, call Aaron's Books at 717-627-1990.