Where the magic's at
A number of communities are planning events around the release of the final Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. The latest to announce plans is the Barnes & Noble in Geneva, which is planning a Midnight Magic Costume Party on July 20. The party begins at 8 p.m. at 102 Commons Drive, Geneva. At midnight, copies of the final Potter book will go on sale.
Organizers invite people to come dressed as their favorite Potter character. Activities leading up to the release of the book include Wizardly Wand Making, Create Your Own Magical Creature, and Create Your Own Magical Pet.
• Harry Potter After Dark Pre-Release Extravaganza: 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. July 20, the Eola Library in Aurora will re-open as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry for a special program for all Harry Potter fans, ages 8 years through adult. Come in costume to be sorted into your Hogwarts House for games, prizes, Harry Potter movies, snacks and a costume parade. Don't miss all the fun before Harry, Ron, and Hermione arrive for their last adventure.
• The Party That Shall Not Be Named: Noon July 20 to July 21 in downtown Naperville. Tens of thousands of people are expected to attend the event, which drew about 50,000 people for the 2005 release of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. To date, 65 organizations, including the library, have signed up to host activities downtown in celebration of the release of the seventh and final Harry Potter book.