Jul. 17, 2013: Things are heating up in Bronxville, and not just because of the summer heat wave. Word has it that Waldo, of the popular children's book series Where's Waldo, had such a great time here last year celebrating his 25th anniversary and meeting so many friends that he's back.

He's kind of back, that is. Waldo won't actually surface in person until the big party at Womrath Books, 76 Pondfield Road, on Wednesday, July 31, at 3:00 pm, when he helps owners Gene and Wanda Sgarlata award prizes to some of the keenest detectives around.

For the second summer, Waldo is asking his Bronxville friends, old friends and new ones he hasn't met yet, to find him as he hides in 24 stores in the village during July.

Register at Womrath Books to get the scoop on where Waldo might be hiding, as well as the passport that local merchants will stamp when sleuths spot him.

Anyone returning a filled passport by July 30 will receive a sticker and a coupon toward the purchase of a Where's Waldo book. Those passports will be entered into the drawing for all kinds of Where's Waldo prizes at the party. This year, winners must be present at the party to claim their prizes, so mark your calendars!

Sgarlata estimates that about 100 participants have registered so far for the hunt and reminds anyone wanting to join in that there's still plenty of time. Even some teenagers came out this year to be part of the fun. And, Sgarlata said, "How could I say no to the 25-year-old who came in and said he had grown up with Waldo?"

Twenty-four Bronxville businesses are participating in the search for Waldo this year, including Tryforos & Pernice Florists, SilverSpoon, Arista Camera, Savanna at Home, Mrs. Morgan's Flower Shop, Chantilly Patisserie, Breezeway, Kensington Paper, The Silk Road, Bronxville Running Company, Provisions for Pets, Fierson's, Weezie D., Dobbs & Bishop Fine Cheese, Häagen-Dazs, SF Express, Topps Bakery, Bronxville Public Library, and Womrath Bookshop.

"It's a give-back endeavor," Sgarlata said in describing the event, "and an effort to remind residents to shop local."

Call Womrath at 914-337-0199 for further information.

Pictured here: Where's Waldo poster used during last year's hunt.

Photo by N. Bower