West Columbia Residents Enjoy a Spooktacular Halloweenfest
This past Saturday afternoon, West Columbia, S.C. was buzzing with excitement as the local comic shop, Scratch N’ Spin Records, hosted its annual Halloweenfest. For many, this celebration has become a cherished tradition, and this year was no different, as the store opened its doors to comic book lovers, families, and festive costumed characters alike.
A Festive Atmosphere and Free Treats
The atmosphere at Scratch N’ Spin was lively and colorful, filled with friendly faces eager to participate in the fun. The shop gave away free Halloween-themed comic books and candy, definitely a tempting treat that added to the excitement. Guests were thrilled to snap photos with characters dressed in adorable and creative costumes, capturing the fun of the day. No Halloween celebration is complete without a costume contest, and this event had one of the best. Around 20 contestants put their creative outfits on full display, vying for the title of best costume!
Creative Local Artists Showcase Their Work
What made the event even more special was the opportunity to meet local comic artists, like Joshua Adams, who shared his thoughts on the event. “I think it’s fun seeing so many different pieces of pop culture all come together and shared love of all these things,” he said, speaking about how the event fosters community spirit among attendees. He, along with fellow artist Dan Evans, has recently released two comic books, titled Kolga and Apollyon 20XX. Their presence was an exciting highlight for many attendees who are fans of their work!
Bringing People Together Through Comics
Eric Woodard, the owner of Scratch N’ Spin Records, reminisced about the origins of Halloweenfest. Woodard has been hosting this special event for nearly a decade, explaining that it is a delightful spin-off of Free Comic Book Day, which occurs on the first Saturday in May. He believes that Halloween, being one of the most fun holidays of the year, is the perfect context to celebrate comic books.
“It’s so fun to be able to dress up, and it’s something that kids, adults – everybody – can do,” Woodard remarked. He also mentioned that incorporating those festive Halloween elements really enhances the vibe and makes it even more enjoyable for all ages. “I think that this event brings out even more people than Free Comic Book Day in some ways,” he added, reflecting on the diverse crowd of about 50 attendees who showed up to enjoy the festivities.
A Community Staple in West Columbia
Scratch N’ Spin has built a strong connection with the community over the past 21 years, proudly carrying comic books since 2010. Halloweenfest has been a highlight for the shop, always celebrated on the weekend before Halloween. Woodard’s enthusiasm for the event is contagious, and it’s clear that this local comic shop has become a beloved staple in West Columbia.
With so much community spirit and shared passion for comic books, fun characters, and of course, candy, Halloweenfest was a hit this year. So mark your calendars for next year’s celebration, and get ready for another delightful weekend filled with costumes, creativity, and camaraderie!
