Put up balloons.
Free Cookies, Juice, and Balloons!
Brian Regalbuto helped create the best story of the day. He came as Mark Twain, and even gave us a signed photo! 
Mark Jamison had encouraged his high school students from the school he's at to come by. Four of them did, Mark Twain in full costume asked them if they would like an autograph from a real author. They declined and went off to find some $1 books. Upon their return Mark Twain asked if they would like him to sign their books, even if he didn't write them. They asked who he was, and he told them he was Mark Twain. The kids jaws dropped. "Wow" said one, "I've read one of your books in school... 'A Tale of Two Cities'." Mark Twain indicated that maybe he was thinking of Charles Dickens. The kids all gathered around Mark Twain and whipped out their phones to take pictures, had him sign a copy of an Nora Roberts paperback, and several got into the picture. One and had to delete stuff off his phone to make room for his photo with Mark Twain. 
By far the highlight of the day, Brian did a superb job of acting and kept fully in character until they left, and then everyone was rolling.Moved the SUV to the street and added ballons.
Everyone was enthralled by the computer.
And having a social time.
Aric, David, and Dan had fun with snapper popers in celebration.Gah, there's always something. Finally figured out I'd plugged the phone into the wrong jack, no one had been getting an answer since Tuesday! Ah, well fixed now.
Despite it's unfinished look, this is a fully armed and operational bookstore.
Revised the event at OC Register
http://events.ocregister.com/events/show/2405193-A-Castle-of-Books-Grand-Opening
Renewed the events on Craigslist, and Recycler
