Yesterday was Free Comic Book Day.

For those who don’t know, Doug and I own Bargain Comics, a comic book store in downtown Colorado Springs.

We gave away comics at the store and at 3 local libraries:

• Bargain Comics, 19 East Bijou St, 10:30 – 5:00
• East Branch Library, 5550 North Union Blvd, 11:00 – 3:00
• Briargate Branch Library, 9475 Briar Village Point, 1:00 – 3:00
• Woodland Park Library, 218 E. Midland Avenue, 12:00 – 3:00

In the morning, I took Zander and Zevan to Zander’s soccer game at 9 AM at the YMCA. We were late, but Zander played the 2nd quarter as goalie and did a great job. He made some great saves and never let a goal in.

Afterwards we went to the car, and headed over to Washington to see the new site for the Montessori program next year. It happens to be right behind a Dunkin Donuts. Since we had a few minutes, we stopped there. The line was longer than we’re used to, but we made it to the school shortly after 10 AM. After the principal showed us the proposed room assignments, we took the tour. The building definitely has a more institutional look – low ceilings, cinderblock walls and not many windows. But the media center and computer room were both more clean and modern. Overall, it’s fine. We could have done much worse. You could see how much the current students put into the school, and it was sad for them to lose their school.

After the tour, we headed to the comic shop. The 501st Garrison were there in full force. They set up a tent out in front. They were really great. EVERYONE was so excited to see them.

They had started about 20 minutes before we got there, and despite cold, drizzly weather, there was still a line outside the door. We saw our friends Michelle, Jonathan & Jonathan in line as we wormed our way through the crowd to the back of the store. I put the boys in the back of the store, Zevan set up near the storage closet with his donut, and Zander on the back wall, reading comic books.

Barb, our manager’s daughter was there in a Captain America costume, complete with shield. We had a friend dressed as Flash manning the prize table until he was called to the East library branch, and I took over.

It was CRAZY busy nearly the whole day. The store was packed. Many people who came to shop or even just browse were surprised to find out we were giving away comic books.

Around noon, Grandpa picked up the ZBoys. We stayed busy all day, and saw a lot of friends, many of whom saw my event listing on Facebook.

A KOAA reporter came for the event. He was psyched because the Garrison was there, and he is a huge Star Wars fan. He filmed a lot at the shop, and we even were able to squeeze in a quick interview. My talking head appeared on the 10 o’clock news last night! The coverage was good.

KOAA will be doing a feature on the 501st Garrison next month – so the publicity was good for everyone involved.

I took a break around 2:00 PM when Candy & Misha came by. We ran over to Old Chicago’s for a quick lunch. I got back to the store and helped out for a while longer. The last friends I saw were Kristi & her girls. They were VERY excited to get comic books. Kaitlyn was so cute with her two year old voice saying, “Teen Titans!”

I left the store around 4:15 and headed home.

Whew! What a day!