What do fishing, comic books and springtime in Lowell have in common?

They're all things you can enjoy this weekend at no charge - just the price of gasoline and maybe some bait. That's the kind of entertainment we need amid gloomy economic news.

On Saturday and Sunday, people can go fishing in any of Ohio's public waters without picking up a license first. It's a tradition the state started in 1993 to encourage fishermen and families to get out and enjoy the Buckeye State's rivers and lakes.

Normally, a fishing license costs $19 for residents, with some discounts available for elderly anglers. That's not a bad deal, but if you haven't picked up your license yet, you don't have to skip this weekend.

Also on Saturday is Free Comic Book Day. Comic book shops around the country, including Asylum Comics on Second Street in Marietta, will be giving out special edition comics to anyone who comes into the store. There are titles for a variety of age groups and interests, and even if you're not a comic book fan, what have you got to lose?

This is also the weekend of the 23rd annual Lowell Springfest, Saturday and Sunday in Buell Park, the first of many popular spring and summer festivals in Washington County.

Sure you might want to grab a bite to eat or buy something from one of the vendors, but there's no charge for admission and the entertainment's free, too. The event does raise money for improvements to the park, but that comes mainly from vendor fees.

And that's just a sampling of activities in the area this weekend. Not all are free, but many have a nominal admission charge with proceeds going to good causes.

So enjoy yourself this weekend without breaking the bank.