The anticipation is rising like a Quidditch Player on a broomstick.
Since the moment readers finished devouring the sixth Harry Potter book, they have been eagerly awaiting the seventh — and last — in the series. Now, with the release of the final installment only a little more than a day away, Potter Mania has taken over Carleton's River City Books.
"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" officially hits the store's shelves tomorrow night at the stroke of midnight. To celebrate the book's long-anticipated release, River City Books along with other downtown Northfield businesses have planned a magical evening for Potter fans of all ages.
Northfield's Division Street will morph into a sort of Diagon Alley on Friday, July 20, to celebrate the midnight July 21 release. Whether you’ve read each book three times in two languages or have yet to crack a cover, River City Books invites you to attend this fun and festive night.
Starting at 6 p.m., those wishing to purchase copies of the new book from River City Books can stop by the store and pick up a card to reserve a place in line later that evening. Throughout the night, the store will also distribute free, custom-made temporary tattoos and sponsor several activities on Division Street, which will be partially closed off. Included in the schedule of events:
7:00 p.m.—Human Chess Game played in front of Present Perfect at 419 Division Street.
7:30 p.m.—Present Perfect hosts a Potions Class and demonstration, compliments of Professor Snape.
8:00 p.m.—Six-Legged Quidditch races down Division Street.
8:30 p.m. — Professor Snapes ventures down to River City Books, to read to the kiddies (and any adulties).
9:00 p.m. — Professor Snapes emcees a costume contest in front of River City Books. Contestants may dress as any character from one of the Harry Potter books. River City Books gift cards will be awarded as prizes ($30 for first place, $20 for second, $10 for third).
9:30 p.m. — There will be an outdoor showing of the movie “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.” Feel free to bring something to sit on.
Midnight — Doors open for sales of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.” In-store promotions include a free Harry Potter gift for the first 200 customers at River City Books and the chance to win one of five Harry Potter cloth school banners.
Other additional events will be taking place all over Division Street, and many stores will be staying open late so parents can enjoy after-hours shopping. ArtOrg will show a video presentation of artist Mary GrandPré’s amazing illustrations of the Harry Potter books. The Contented Cow will host a Potteresque open-mike night (read your favorite passages or even your Potter-inspired poetry and prose). Tiny’s will be on the street selling hotdogs. The popcorn wagon in Bridge Square will be open for business. River City Books will be selling ice cream treats and novelties. An on-the-spot photographer will likely be on hand. Of course, the butterbeer will be plentiful.
Some details are still being finalized. But there’s little question this will be the biggest book release party in, well, the history of Northfield!
For more information about all things Harry, read the regularly updated posts about the big book release bash at www.rivercitybooksonline.com.
A note from the fine folks at River City Books: to get in the mood for the festivities, you might want to check out our huge Potter Mania 2005 photo gallery, from a similar downtown event in honor of the previous Potter book release.
River City Books is a general interest bookstore located at 306 Division Street in downtown Northfield. River City Books is owned and operated by Carleton College as a service and benefit to the Northfield community.
