Calling all Muggles
Local celebration to mark release of final Potter book
Ever wish you could travel to Diagon Alley?
On July 20, Anderson's Bookshop is turning Main Street in Downers Grove into the magical world of Harry Potter to celebrate the release of J.K. Rowling's final book in the series, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows."
(Courtesy of Warner Bros.)
When: July 20 from 9 p.m. to midnight
Where: Main Street in Downers Grove
How much: Admission and most activities are free
Contact: Anderson's Bookshop, 630-963-2665
Kathleen March, children's manager for Anderson's, said the release party two years ago for Book 6 attracted 2,000 Potter fans. This year's, called The Party That Shall Not Be Named, is expected to be even bigger.
"There will be great books coming out, but nothing that has captured the imagination of the world," March said.
Anderson's is offering pre-sale of the final book for a discounted price of $24.49. Showing proof of purchase will get fans a free burrito at Chipotle on Ogden Avenue in Westmont, a 10 percent discount on Harry Potter merchandise at Anderson's and entry into a raffle at the midnight release party, where the grand prize is an authentic signed bookplate from Rowling.
At 12:01 a.m. July 21, the final book is set for release. March said Anderson's might get the shipment of books in a few days in advance, but staffers will absolutely not be sneaking a peek. The employees had to sign a contract saying they would not open the boxes until July 21.
"When you have a book that can cross generations and capture the worldwide imagination, how can you not get excited?" March said.
So find some wizard robes and check out the Harry Potter events at these Downers Grove locations. Floo powder not necessary.
• Tivoli Theatre , 5201 Highland Ave.: The Leaky Cauldron Pottercast takes place at 10 a.m. July 20, when Melissa Anelli, John Now and Sue Upton of the popular Leaky Cauldron Web site host a discussion of the first six Harry Potter making predictions for the seventh.
The talk will be aired on the Leaky Cauldron podcast. Tickets are $5, and those with "Deathly Hallows" pre-sale proof of purchase get a $2 discount.
• Caribou Coffee , 5100 Main St.: The shop will offer special drinks and Potter trivia.
• Anderson's Bookshop , 5112 Main St.: The bookstore hosts a human chess game outside and a prediction graffiti wall. The store will take prepurchases of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows" until 11 p.m., and it will close from 11:30 p.m. to midnight to prepare the books for distribution.
• Happy Dog Barkery , 5118 Main St.: Face painting will be offered, and a concoction called "dragon snot" will be served to strong-stomached witches, wizards and Muggles.
• Gallery's Choice , 5145 Main St.: The site will offer a bead-making demonstration and Potter trivia.
• Muriel Mundy , 5135 Main St.: More Potter trivia will be offered here.
• Consider it Done , 5133 Main St.: Professor Trelawny will be telling fortunes, and punch will be served.
• Coldwell Banker , 5207 Main St., No. 6: The real estate agency will offer a game of Cauldron Toss, a twist on Bozo Buckets.
• Herbert's , 5123 Main St.: A costume contest will be held. No need to enter ahead of time; just show up in costume.
• Glazed Expression s, 5117 Main St.: Owners Katie and Keith Usedom will help Potter fans make wands and crystal balls to take home. The wands are free; the crystal balls are $5.
Contact Eva McKendrick at emckendrick@scn1.com or call 630-416-5103.