WARSAW — Twenty-five years ago, Warsaw’s only comic book and video game store opened the doors to its small store front. Thanks to a loyal customer base, Chimp’s Comix & Video Games, 919 E. Winona Ave, Warsaw, is celebrating their 25th anniversary this Saturday, July 22, with the first of what is going to be a year long celebration.

According to Chimp’s Comix’s website, Chimp’s opened on July 21, 1992 and carried an assortment of comic books, sports cards, Magic the Gathering packs and a few action figures. In March 1998 the store was sold to then 19-year-old Nick Kelley who runs the business to this day.

A comic book fan from a young age, Kelley didn’t care about the income and kept pushing forward despite highs and lows in the comic book industry. He eventually brought in video games and more action figures. He revamped the store with glass cases and eventually acquired a neighboring space and expanded.

Kelley’s perseverance has certainly paid off.

“We here at Chimp’s Comix and Video Games would like to thank the community for 25 years of continuing support and look forward to serving our community for many more years to come,” says Kelley. “This is the first event in a year long celebration. There will be something every month until July 2018.”

Kelley has plans for events, specials or sales to take place every month until next July, although they are currently unspecified.

Saturday’s events will run 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and will feature door prizes, a reunion of past helpers, a special cake at noon and a silent auction that will benefit the Salvation Army. Door prizes will be given for random qualifiers; see Chimp’s Facebook event for details. Karma Records, Warsaw, is donating a bonus door prize: a Guardians of the Galaxy Soundtrack LP.

New Chimp’s shirts will also be available. This shirt will have special benefits at following 25th anniversary celebrations. For more information and pricing, as well as sale promotions, see the link to Chimp’s Facebook event above.