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Posted on Wed, Jul. 06, 2005 |
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Fans of Harry Potter will gather to celebrate the release of J.K. Rowling’s new book, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince on Saturday, July 16th. At the stroke of midnight Rowling will read at Edinburgh Castle in Scotland, but closer to home the celebrations will begin on Friday afternoon, with many events lasting until the book is released at midnight. Downtown Wilmington in southwestern Ohio will be magically transformed into Harry Potter land on July 15th, when an entire block on Main Street will be closed to “Muggle” traffic. Visitors are invited to walk along the sidewalks of this historic city where they will encounter witches, wizards, and a Winged Horse. Live owls will be presented by the Glen Helen Raptor Center, and at midnight a Unicorn will appear. The historic General Denver Hotel will be transformed into Hogwarts School of Witch Craft and Wizardry, where the sorting hat will determine seating at a banquet which begins at 5 p.m. Guests can sample pumpkin pastries while playing a game of Potteropoly or participate in literary discussions on past events in Harry Potter books. Just outside of Hogwarts wizards and Muggles can participate in a scavenger hunt and a Maruader’s Map Parade, or attend evening classes taught by Hogwart’s professors. Refreshments will be offered at the Leaky Cauldron, formerly known as Jen’s Uptown Deli; and guests can pick up a voucher for the new Harry Potter release at Florish & Blotts Book Store, formerly known as Books ‘N’ More. For additional information call 937-383-7323 and for room reservations at the General Denver Hotel call 937-383-4141. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad will run a special Harry Potter train, the Wizard Express to the enchanted village of Peninsula, Ohio, arriving in time for guests to pick up their books at the Blue Heron Bookstore. Other exciting events planned are a symposium on the Harry Potter books, moonlight hikes in the Forbidden Forest (Cuyahoga Valley National Park), a feast in the Great Hall (Happy Days Visitor Center), and a Start of Term Ball (Boston Township School). For reservations and more information call 330-657-2575 or visit www.blueheronbookstore.com . Fans are invited to test their skill on Harry Potter trivia at the Harry Potter Jeopardy Tournament, which will be held at the Toy, Train & Hobby Shop in Hudson on July 9, and 15. For more information call 330-653-2997. Downtown Hudson will hold a Harry Potter Extravaganza, with magic shows, a costume parade, and special events on July 15 and 16. For more information call the Learned Owl at 330-653-2252. Borders Books & Music and Barnes & Noble Booksellers also plan special celebrations to coincide with the release of this exciting new book. |
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