Silver Spring, Maryland, Borders Hosts Second Largest Harry Potter Shindig in Nation

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