West Columbia Celebrates Halloweenfest with Comics and Costumes
On a delightful Saturday afternoon in West Columbia, S.C., local comic shop Scratch N’ Spin Records transformed into a hub of excitement and creativity for its annual Halloweenfest. After nearly a decade of hosting this festive event, the shop was once again buzzing with families, comic book fans, and costumed characters, all coming together to celebrate the joy of comics and Halloween.
Free Comics and Sweet Treats Galore
The afternoon kicked off with the store giving away an array of free Halloween-themed comic books and candy, a treat for both kiddies and adults alike. Imagine a table piled high with colorful comic books, each one ready to spark the imagination of its new owner. The excitement was palpable as attendees picked out their favorite titles from major publishers like DC and Marvel.
“It’s always a thrill to see the community come together for an event like this,” said Eric Woodard, the owner of Scratch N’ Spin Records. As he spoke, his eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. “Halloween is one of those rare times when everyone can come out, dress up, and just have fun!”
Costume Contest Steals the Show
One of the highlights of the day was the costume contest. Around 20 enthusiastic contestants strutted their stuff, showcasing everything from classic superheroes to original characters. Everyone was eager to show off their creative costumes, and you could hear cheers and laughter echoing throughout the store. Woodard noted that the turnout of about 50 people was impressive, especially considering the strong sense of community that Halloween brings.
Creative Minds Behind the Comics
The festivities were made even more special with the presence of talented local comic artists like Joshua Adams. He, along with his collaborator Dan Evans, had recently released two exciting new comic books titled Kolga and Apollyon 20XX. “It’s amazing to see so many interests represented in one place,” Adams shared, clearly enjoying the mixture of artistry and fandom.
He continued, “I think it’s fun seeing so many different pieces of pop culture all come together and seeing shared love for these characters, movies, games, and toys. It’s just really cool realizing how many people have so much in common.”
A Legacy of Celebration
With roots tracing back to Free Comic Book Day, the Halloweenfest has been an evolving tradition at Scratch N’ Spin for about ten years now. “We wanted to promote comics as a true American art form and to broaden the audience for these amazing stories,” Woodard explained. He believes that Halloween provides an excellent backdrop for reaching a diverse crowd, “Even more than Free Comic Book Day in some ways!”
As Scratch N’ Spin gears up for the next decade of Halloween festivals, the energy and passion among the attendees remain vibrant and contagious. The heartfelt connections shared by those in costumes and the admiration for comic art serve as a reminder that comic books are not just stories, but a shared bond.
Looking Ahead
Anyone eager for festivities need not wait long; Scratch N’ Spin Records promises even more excitement in the coming months. For now, the successful celebration of Halloweenfest wraps up, leaving behind not just memories but also a community strengthened by their shared passions.
