Karen: How many of us experienced the childhood thrill of meeting a super-hero, cartoon character, or other such icon live and in-person? These characters were brought in to promote some product or the opening of a new business. I can recall two such experiences: the first occurring when I was about six years old. The occasion was the opening of the first McDonald's restaurant in town. To celebrate such a momentous event, McDonald's brought in Ronald McDonald and -the Frankenstein Monster. Because obviously that makes sense, right? I didn't give two hoots about McDonald's but I loved the Frankenstein Monster, and my mom helped scoot me up to the front of the crowd so I could see him. Some kids were crying -they were scared of the Monster. Honestly I found Ronald McDonald far more frightening than Frankenstein.
The second big live appearance was the arrival of Batman to our local JC Penney's store around 1976. I've posted some pictures below. The caped crusader was set up in the men's shoe department. I can't recall what the occasion was -I don't think it had anything to do with the Mego figures, or the original TV show. There must have been some reason, but honestly, my brain cells can't conjure it up now. But I do remember pestering my folks to take me to see him, even though it was on a school night. He might not have been Adam West, but I was still giddy.
Karen: Any childhood meetings you'd like to share?