Bizarre NYSE Bell Ringers

On March 8, 1817, the New York Stock Exchange was founded. Now the world's largest stock exchange, the NYSE opens and closes with the ringing of bells. The opening bell is rung at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time and the closing bell is rung at 4 p.m. Eastern Time. Sometimes, special guests will ring the bells to start and end the day's trading. Everyone from important CEOs to the Sports Illustrated swimsuit models have visited the NYSE for this honor. Here, six of the more bizarre bell-ringing visitors.

The Smurfs

In 2011, everyone's favorite blue cartoon characters visited to promote their new movie.

Mischievous Minions

The Despicable Me stars rang the bell in support of the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Aflac Duck

Quack, quack! To celebrate 10 years of Aflac Incorporated, the company's spokesduck paid a visit to the NYSE.

Darth Vader and Storm Troopers

The Star Wars icons hung out—along with R2D2—as representatives of Lucasfilm Ltd.

SpongeBob SquarePants

In honor of SpongeBob's 10th anniversary with Nickelodeon, he took a break from his pineapple under the sea to come to New York City.

Hello Kitty

Hello Kitty is lookin' good for 50 years! Sanrio celebrated their big anniversary by ringing the closing bell.