Ray Iniquez, Jr. of Rays Mini Video and Comics in Elmwood Park, Illinois, sent us this report of his FCBD experience:

I sent out various press releases to all the local papers and TV stations.  The online community calendars for the ABC and CBS affiliates listed information about FCBD.  Also, The Elm Leaves, a local paper, mentioned FCBD at my store in their May 3rd issue.

Also once again I was on the moving sign of The Mont Clare Elmwood Park Chamber of Commerce and Industry -- 24/7 for three weeks leading up to FCBD 2006!.

After decorating my windows and getting the free comics tagged and all the bag stuffers in, I arranged for a few of my aunts to help out for the day.

My crew for FCBD 2006 consisted of my aunts Rizzo and Lucille, as well as my parents Ray Sr. and Rose Marie.

We had a few people early, some even before we opened!  Then we had several spurts through out the day.  I had a better turnout than I expected and gave out well over 500 comics and had some nice sales.  I hope that this generates buzz that I am a locally owned and operated business in our community, and more people will stop by and say 'Hi.'

I had a great day and look forward to movies like X-Men: The Last Stand and Superman Returns to generate excitement about the medium of comic books.  I am looking forward to next year's Free Comic Book Day.