Rutgers Invites ‘Where’s Waldo’ Look-Alikes to Help Set a Record at the State Theatre April 2

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. – Where’s Waldo? He and hundreds of look-alikes of the popular children’s book character will be at the State Theatre in downtown New Brunswick on Thursday, April 2, to promote children’s literacy – and attempt to set a world record.

The Rutgers University Programming Association (RUPA) and the Department of Student Life will be collecting children’s books that day and seeking to break the record for the largest gathering of people dressed as the bespectacled Waldo from the children’s book series, Where’s Waldo. 

Waldo wannabes are invited to come to the theater when doors open at 7 p.m. The entrance fee for the event is a new children’s book or $5. Participants are asked to come in blue jeans and will be provided with a shirt, hat and glasses a la “Waldo.”

All proceeds from the event will go toward the purchase of new books for students in New Brunswick schools. Matthew Ferguson, assistant director for student life and an organizer of the event, said schools are always in need of new books. He added that the Where’s Waldo books inspire children’s imaginations and encourage them to reach higher.

“The whole book is about traveling and expanding your mind,” he said. 

In addition to the books brought by participants, Candlewick Press, publisher of the Where’s Waldo series, will donate a new book for each “Waldo” in attendance. The organizers are aiming for a turnout of 1,800.

The event was inspired by last year’s record-setting “Largest Gathering of People Dressed as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” sponsored by Rutgers, Ferguson said.

Waldo wannabes will have an opportunity to enjoy games and performances from student groups and a local band. The event is also an opportunity for students to come together as a community, said Lori L. Smith, assistant director, student center and programs, for University Student Life.

Stefanie Kamin, vice president of RUPA’s spirit and special events committee, sees it as an “out-of-the-box” way for students to spend their evening.

“Today, there aren’t a lot of chances for people to be silly and to have fun,” she said.  

The Where’s Waldo event is co-sponsored by The RU Sure? Campaign, Barnes and Noble at Rutgers University, and the Rutgers Student Volunteer Council.

This year marks Waldo’s 21st birthday. The Where’s Waldo book series began in 1987 when illustrator Martin Handford sent the famous world traveler on his first adventure. The series has published six books and spawned a cartoon series, video games, and other Waldo merchandise. The record for the largest gathering of people dressed as Waldo is held by In Your Face Apparel, a Texas clothing manufacturer.            

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