Count on a lot of characters at Free Comic Book Day

Colorful characters will abound throughout downtown Rochester as National Free Comic Book Day is celebrated on May 7. (Courtesy photo)

Jetpack Comics and Rochester Main Street volunteers are all set for another fun day in downtown Rochester as thousands of comic book fans gather to celebrate National Free Comic Book Day on May 7.

More than 50,000 free comics will be distributed at this years event. The day starts at 10 a.m. when fans can acquire their passports at Jetpack Comics at 37 North Main Street. Using the passports, they can then proceed to visit participating businesses to collect a free comic book, visit food/information/ craft vendors in the Union Street Parking Lot, the exhibit hall, or activities in Central Square hosted by Cocheco Arts & Technology Academy students.

In addition to the ongoing quest for comics, guest artist and creator of the popular "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" series Kevin Eastman will be at the Exhibition Hall at the Governor's Inn. The hall also features other artists, vendors and demonstrators. It's a great chance to collect books and then have them autographed. The fun doesn't end there as participating businesses are also encouraged to dress up as their favorite character and host interactive events. This year there is actually a new costume contest by Cosplay and you can register and dress as your favorite character for a chance at over $1,200 in prizes.

Cocheco Equipment Company on Signal Street will also be hosting an Open House Saturday with special offers, demonstrations, and a refreshment stand.

Rochester's Free Comic Book Day runs from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. For more information contact Jetpack Comics at 603-330-9636 or visit online at www.jetpackcomics.com. Or you can contact Rochester Main Street at 603-330-3208 or director@rochestermainstreet.org. New this year, the Rochester Opera House will be featuring the hilarious adult comedy, The Toxic Avenger, from May 5 through the 15. Guests can sign up in advance for a special meet the author or brown bag lunch event.

Free parking is available at the North Main Street , Union Street, Congress Street or City Hall Parking Lots. We caution visitors to make sure that they do not park in private parking lots.