Farmington-area residents should be on the lookout for the “Totally Ninja Raccoons” hiding out at local businesses in July.
When the COVID-19 pandemic canceled Candlewick Press’ annual Where’s Waldo search, Kevin Coolidge, author and owner of the store From My Shelf Books, in Welsbro, Pennsylvania, decided to host the “Where Are the Totally Ninja Raccoons?” search based on his “Totally Ninja Raccoon” action series of books for 7- to 10-year-old reluctant readers.
The “Totally Ninja Raccoon” series is about three raccoon brothers who become ninjas, and is available at Amy’s Bookcase.
This year, Coolidge and From My Shelf Books agreed to allow other independent bookstores around the country to host the “Where are the Totally Ninja Raccoons?” search.
Amy Henkenius, owner of Amy’s Bookcase in Farmington, led the way in organizing local businesses and organizations to join the search in an effort to encourage residents and visitors to support locally-owned small businesses.
“After a year of uncertainty, we thought it would be nice to have a little fun in our community,” Henkenius said in a news release.
Each participating business will have free passports, listing all participating businesses where searchers can find the Ninja Raccoons. When a customer spots the hidden raccoons, the business will stamp or sign the passport.
The monthlong hunt for the raccoon brothers begins at 9 a.m. Thursday and ends at 3 p.m. July 31. All passports must be turned in at Amy’s Bookcase no later than 3 p.m. July 31 for prize eligibility.
“Visiting kids sometimes worry about not having time to search at all (the) businesses,” Kasey Coolidge, manager of From My Shelf Books, said in a news release. “We reassure them that everyone who plays has a chance to win prizes sponsored by the participating businesses.”
Each passport stamp enters the searcher’s name into the drawing for prizes. The drawing will take place at 4:30 p.m. July 31, and winners will be announced on Facebook. Prizes include gift certificates to and items donated by participating businesses.
The Ninja Raccoons will be hiding in or at these businesses: Dad’s Diner; Buell’s Fish Hooks; What the Junk?; Brown’s Shoe Fit; Amy’s Bookcase; Farmington Visitors Center at Gateway Museum; Kopy-Rite Printing; Tales of Tomorrow; Second Hand Wolf; Calvares Santos y Mas; San Juan College Health and Human Performance Center’s Rental Center; Oso Grande Coffee Co.; Artifacts Gallery; Foutz and Hanon Car and Truck Accessories; Sycamore Center; Ice Age Frozen Yogurt and Coffee; San Juan Nurseries; and 505 Cycles.
For more information, contact Amy’s Bookcase at (505) 327-4647 or 2530 San Juan Blvd., Farmington.
dgladden@durangoherald.com
