July 2007

Harry Potter Fever

by Chris Stay

Excitement grips Puget Sound once again, as fans eagerly await the publication of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, J.K. Rowling’s seventh and final book in the Harry Potter series. How will hard-core Harry fans manage the last few hours before the long-awaited release on July 21?

Plenty of Puget Sound area bookstores are hosting Harry Potter parties, and are encouraging customers to while away the hours on their premises before the midnight release. Pre-purchasing the book is recommended. Grab your Nimbus 2000, round up all your muggle friends, avoid the Whomping Willow, and head to the nearest bookstore July 20.

University Bookstore, 4326 University Way N.E. in Seattle, is hosting an elaborate party. The entire store will be turned into Diagon Alley -– visit the Leaky Cauldron and Flourish & Blotts or try butterbeer in Honeydukes (Marauders Maps will be available to help you find your way). Wear your best Harry Potter costume for activities starting at 6 p.m. and continuing all night. They include a “Quidditch” contest, a Harry Potter movie marathon, a magician performing “spells,” Harry Potter cover art creation and more (206-634-3400; www.bookstore.washington.edu).

The Harry Potter Midnight Magic Party at Barnes & Noble, 626 106th Ave. N.E. in downtown Bellevue, will feature a “Quidditch” demonstration match by a local young lacrosse team, a presentation by 17-year-old fantasy author Sara Stern, a costume contest (wear your favorite), impromptu drama scene performances by attendees, game stations and more. The party begins at 8:30 p.m. (425-453-7958; www.bn.com).

Mercer Island is trying something different. Island Books is teaming up with the Mercer Island Parks and Recreation Department to present a Potter Party in the Community Center at Mercer View, 8236 S.E. 24th St., Mercer Island. Festivities will be held 9 p.m.- 12:30 a.m., and feature Diagon Alley, a Harry Potter movie, “Quidditch” matches, games, contests, crafts for kids and snacks. Everyone is invited (including witches, wizards and probably even squibs) – wear a costume (City of Mercer Island: 206-236-3590, www.ci.mercer-island.wa.us; Island Books: 800-432-1640 or 206-232-6920, www.mercerislandbooks.com).

Contact the following bookstores for details on their midnight Harry Potter parties July 20:

Children’s Bookshop & Teaching Supplies, 152 S.W. 152nd St., Burien; 206-242-9790; www.childrens-bookstore.com.
Children’s Bookshop & Teaching Supplies, 225 W. Meeker, Kent; 253-852-0383; www.childrens-bookshop.com.
Edmonds Bookshop, 111 Fifth Ave. S., Edmonds; 425-775-2789; www.edmondsbookshop.com.
Secret Garden Books, 2214 N.W. Market St., Seattle; 206-789-5006; www.secretgardenbooks.com.
The Elliott Bay Book Company, 101 S. Main St., Seattle; 206-624-6600; www.elliottbaybook.com.
Barnes & Noble, Pacific Place, 600 Pine St., downtown Seattle; 206-264-0156; www.bn.com.

Chris Stay is calendar editor for Seattle’s Child.

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