Merchant event grant recipent
Beginning July 1, “Where’s Waldo,” the iconic children’s book character in the striped shirt and black-rimmed specs, will be hiding in 25 local businesses throughout downtown Washington, and readers of all ages have all month to find him!
This is the 10th year Neighborhood Reads Bookstore has organized the project, which has become a beloved summertime event nationwide. This year, 325 independent bookstores nationwide are participating in the event, sponsored by Candlewick Press, and the American Booksellers Association. Anyone can participate with a free Find Waldo passport, available at participating locations and online at neighborhoodreads.com. Participants get their passports stamped after spotting the 6-inch Waldo standee. Collect 20 or more stamps to earn entry into a drawing on July 25 for Downtown Washington gift certificates and Waldo books.
Neighborhood Reads will host a Find Waldo Finale Storytime at 11 am on Saturday, July 25, in the bookstore backyard. Waldo, who most know under his alias as Mayor Doug Hagedorn, will be on hand to read a story and give away prizes.
1. Grab a passport
2. Visit Businesses to find Waldo
3. Collect Stamps
4. Turn in your passport by the Grand Finale party on July 25th @ 11am at Neighborhood Reads
5. Win Prizes
Find Waldo is supported locally by Neighborhood Reads and Downtown Washington Inc. For more information about hunting for Waldo in Washington, visit your local independent bookstore, Neighborhood Reads, 401 Lafayette St., or find details online at neighborhoodreads.com.
MONDAY, JULY 20
TICKETS
MONDAY, JULY 27
TICKETS ON SALE FOR GENERAL PUBLIC
don't miss your chance to purchase early before public sales begin!
August 22, 2026 • 5:00PM-10:00PM
WASHINGTON FARMERS’ MARKET • 317 WEST MAIN STREET
5PM THE TEXAS GIANTS
6PM THE GREY BEARDS
7PM BLACK MOON BLUES CLUB
8PM CODY & THE CHAMELEONS
9PM BAGLUNCH BLUES BAND
DONATION STATIONS
SUNSET ON THE RIVERFRONT
THURSDAY, JULY 23 • 5PM-8PM
Busy on August 22nd? You can still donate to the cause! OR
admission bag of food or monetary donation admission bag of food or monetary donation
AUGUST 21, 2026 • 5PM-8PM
VINO DE LAFAYETTE
CLean Up Day
A huge THANK YOU to everyone who came out for our Community Clean-Up Day! Although the weather tried to slow us down with a little rain in the morning, our incredible volunteers powered through and got the job done. Thanks to the dedication of 25 volunteers, we were able to make a positive impact and help keep our community looking its best. We would also like to extend a special thank you to Washington Missouri Parks for their support, Purina Farms for sponsoring our volunteer t-shirts, and Bank of
