Posted on Fri, Jul. 15, 2005
Stores pull out stops for Potter
Owners magically transform outlets into scenes from
series for latest release
Beacon Journal staff
writer
The wizarding hour is at hand.
At 12:01 a.m. Saturday, the sixth installment of the Harry Potter series will hit the stands in what is said to be the biggest book release in history.
According to the publisher, Scholastic Inc., 1.8 million copies of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince were printed and distributed. In celebration, about 5,000 bookstores across the country are preparing parties catering to Harry Potter fans.
In Peninsula, the Blue Heron Book Store is also holding a party. This one with bells, whistles, and a train ride -- the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad transformed into the Wizard Express.
Blue Heron owner Debbie D'Andrea declined to say how many pre-orders the store had received or how many people were expected. Like all other bookstores in the area, per Scholastic's request, D'Andrea was mum about how many books the publisher will distribute for the weekend release.
``All I can say is thousands... we've ordered a boatload, no, a trainload!'' said D'Andrea. ``It's been pandemonium here. Everyone in Peninsula has been involved in helping us plan for the weekend.''
Like First & Main, Peninsula will transform into the Enchanted Village.
Stores and restaurants will be involved, said D'Andrea. Restaurants will have special menus and employees will have special costumes.
National bookstore chains are also planning celebrations, though perhaps not as extravagant.
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