West Columbia Celebrates Halloweenfest with Comics, Costumes, and Community Fun
This past Saturday afternoon, West Columbia, South Carolina, came alive with vibrant colors, creative costumes, and the delightful sounds of children giggling. It was all part of the annual Halloweenfest hosted by a beloved local comic shop. This spirited event drew a crowd of eager comic book lovers and families looking for some festive fun.
A Spooktacular Celebration
Halloweenfest is an exciting event that celebrates not just Halloween, but also the fantastic world of comic books. The shop brought joy to its visitors by giving away free Halloween-themed comic books along with plenty of candy, ensuring that there was something special for everyone. To add to the excitement, there were photo opportunities with costumed characters, allowing fans to make lasting memories and capture the fun on camera.
One of the highlights of the day was the highly anticipated costume contest, where attendees showcased their most creative and imaginative outfits. The competition drew around 20 contestants, each eager to show off their flair and skills. It’s always a joy to see how much dedication and effort people’s costumes represent, further adding to the sense of community that Halloweenfest cultivates.
Talent in the Spotlight
This year, local comic artists made a special appearance, contributing to the atmosphere of creative potential and inspiration. Florence comic book artist Joshua Adams, along with his peer Dan Evans, recently launched two new comic books, Kolga and Apollyon 20XX. “I think it’s fun seeing so many different pieces of pop culture all come together and shared love of all these things, these characters, the movies, games, and toys,” Adams remarked. It’s refreshing to hear artists speak so passionately about their craft and the community that supports it.
The Spirit of Halloweenfest
This popular event isn’t just a recent phenomenon; according to Eric Woodard, owner of Scratch N’ Spin Records, they’ve hosted Halloweenfest for nearly 10 years. Inspired by Free Comic Book Day, celebrated the first Saturday in May, Halloweenfest offers a special way to spotlight comics as an important part of American culture. Woodard emphasized the idea behind the fest: “It promotes comic books as a true American art form and exposes comics to a wide variety of people by giving out free special edition comics from major publishers like DC and Marvel.”
Woodard also shared his personal love for Halloween. “Halloween’s always one of the best holidays throughout the year,” he said enthusiastically. “It’s so fun to be able to dress up, and it’s something that kids, adults—everybody—can do.” The blending of Halloween excitement with comic fandom creates an inviting atmosphere that appeals to a diverse audience. He noted that this unique combination often brings in more participants than Free Comic Book Day, which is quite impressive.
Yearly Tradition
With around 50 people attending this year’s event, it’s clear that Halloweenfest continues to grow in popularity. Over two decades in business, Scratch N’ Spin has maintained its commitment to comics and community spirit, with the store officially carrying comics since 2010. Each year, the festivities are geared to take place the weekend before Halloween, keeping the spirit of the spooky season alive in West Columbia.
As the sun began to set and costumes were being admired, it was clear that Halloweenfest in West Columbia has become a cherished tradition that not only celebrates comic books but also fosters a sense of togetherness among its community members. Whether you’re a lifelong comic reader or someone who just enjoys a good Halloween party, there’s a touch of magic in the air that makes this event one to remember!
