Silver Spring, Maryland, Borders Hosts Second Largest Harry Potter Shindig in Nation
Street to Be Transformed into Diagon Alley
By Carol Bengle Gilbert, published Jul 18, 2007
Published Content: 457 Total Views: 753,515 Favorited By: 315 CPs
Embed:
As Silver Spring, Maryland, Harry Potter fans await the release of 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows' at the stroke of midnight Friday July 20, they will be treated to a magnificent recreation of Diagon Alley. This transformation of Silver Spring's downtown is the brainstorm of Borders Books, which is hosting its second largest Harry Potter party in the nation here. The only one larger is at the flagship store in New York City.Borders will not be the only local business to participate in the festivities. Whole Foods Markets will host a butter beer brewing booth and Marimekko invites visitors to make their own capes. Marimekko, the Finnish design concept store, is a relatively new resident in Silver Spring. The Silver Spring Marimekko is the largest of the chain's design concept stores in the United States. Another Silver Spring anchor, the American Film Institute (AFI), will be showing all four of the Harry Potter movies back to back on Friday and Saturday
Inside Borders, which will recast itself as Flourish and Blotts for the occasion, Harry Potter fans can attend the Grand Hallows Ball beginning at 10 p.m. Prior to the ball, there will be dancing in the Alley with live musicians. Organizers warn, however, that broom riding is strictly prohibited.
Ben and Jerry's will take on the identity of Forean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor while McGinty's Publik House will become the Leaky Cauldron for the night. Several local merchants will be sponsoring the event by providing prizes including Redrock Canyon Grill, Chik-Fil-A, Color Me Mine and Baja Fresh.
Wand making, dancing, face painting, strolling entertainers, an animatronic sorting hat, and costume contests will entertain eager Potter fans as they await the Witching Hour.
Sources: "Grand Hallows Ball," www. bordersstores.com/stores/store_pg.jsp; notice from community planner Alan Bowser, parkhillscivic@yahoogroups.com; "The Grand Hallows Ball", www.silverspringdowntown.com

More by Carol Bengle Gilbert
- Heart Attack Grill Novelty Restaurant Survives Nurses' Attack
- Christina Romer to Chair Council of Economic Advisors; Bye-Bye Tax Cuts?
- President Bush, the Plenary Power of Presidential Pardons, and Potential for Abuse
- Should Obama Bailout the Big 3 Automakers? No!
Silver Spring, Maryland, Borders Hosts Second Largest Harry Potter Shindig in Nation
Date: July 20, 2007Silver Spring, MDUnited States of America
You may also like...
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Alr...
- Best Pizza in Downtown Silver Spring, Ma...
- Review of Golden House Chinese Food Carr...
- Mi Rancho in Silver Spring, Maryland: Fu...
- Silver Cycles Bicycle Shop in Silver Spr...
- Washington, D.C. Tourists: Why Not Stay ...
- In Silver Spring, Maryland, Cake Love's ...
- Thai at Silver Spring Restaurant in Silv...
- White Tablecloth Dining at Ray's the Cla...
- Piratz Tavern in Silver Spring, Maryland...
Takeaways
- Silver Spring, MD Borders Books hosts second largest Harry Potter party in nation.
- Ellsworth Street will be transformed into Diagon Alley.
- An animatronic sorting hat, butter beer brewing and the Grand Hallows Ball are among the activities.
Today's Most Commented On
Advertisment
Dawn Grubbs
Add a Comment
Posted on 08/19/2007 at 6:08:00 PM
Mary E. Coe
Add a Comment
Posted on 08/16/2007 at 6:08:00 PM
Amanda Cartwright
Add a Comment
Posted on 07/30/2007 at 7:07:00 PM
Jerry Garner
Add a Comment
Posted on 07/28/2007 at 11:07:00 PM
Chris M. Carmichael
Add a Comment
Posted on 07/27/2007 at 9:07:00 AM
M.S.Medina
Add a Comment
Posted on 07/26/2007 at 5:07:00 PM
R.E. Norton
Add a Comment
Posted on 07/26/2007 at 1:07:00 PM
Len Slade
Add a Comment
Posted on 07/25/2007 at 9:07:00 PM
Sullivision
Add a Comment
Posted on 07/25/2007 at 1:07:00 PM
Aktiv8 F8
Add a Comment
Posted on 07/24/2007 at 1:07:00 PM
Susan Antonelli
Add a Comment
Posted on 07/23/2007 at 6:07:00 AM
Luke M.
Add a Comment
Posted on 07/22/2007 at 5:07:00 AM
John Melendez
Add a Comment
Posted on 07/21/2007 at 8:07:00 PM
Christine Bude
Add a Comment
Posted on 07/20/2007 at 7:07:00 PM
Charlotte Kuchinsky
Add a Comment
Posted on 07/20/2007 at 6:07:00 PM