Parties to celebrate 'Harry Potter' finale
Young and young-at-heart fans of fictional wizard Harry Potter in the Norridge area are polishing their wands, grooming their broomsticks and ironing their dress robes. Manager Abby Walters and her staff are throwing a grand hallows ball at Borders, 7100 W. Forest Preserve Drive. The party starts at 9 p.m. July 20 and leads up to the release at midnight of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," the seventh and final book in author J.K. Rowling's wildly popular series.
Walters has planned a costume contest for those who come dressed as their favorite characters or arrive in ball attire; a spelling bee based on words found in the series; food and drink; prizes to be awarded throughout the night; and more. Late in the evening, a king and queen of the ball will be crowned.
"We'll also have a Severus Snape -- good guy or bad guy" debate for the audience to participate in," Walters added. "Our Jonathan Jurczak will moderate."
The evening will end when the very last customer leaves the store clutching the very last preordered copy of Rowling's new release to be picked up that session, said Walters, adding that, while they last, free copies of a limited edition poster will be distributed with each book.
For further information, call Borders at (708) 457-2111.
Not to be outdone by a single event, Nancy Devlin, head of children's services at the Eisenhower Public Library, has planned two Harry Potter parties. Preregistration is required.
Kindergarten students through third graders are invited to the first party, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. July 19. The party for fourth graders and older will be held from 4 to 5:30 p.m. July 19. Both will be held at the library, 4652 N. Olcott Ave., in Harwood Heights.
Devlin will serve her special pumpkin juice and butterbeer. She'll supervise Harry Potter themed crafts, and she'll conduct a potions class, demonstrating a number of chemical reactions -- including how to make "hot snow."
The party guest at each party who wins the Harry Potter trivia contest will be awarded a copy of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows."
There is no charge for attending, but children must preregister at the checkout desk. For further information, call (708) 867-7828.