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Harry Potter Casts A Spell On Westchester With Series Of Book Launch Events

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, N.Y. -- Harry Potter fever continues ... at least for some.

Muggles at Booksy Galore in Pound Ridge.

Muggles at Booksy Galore in Pound Ridge.

Photo Credit: Submitted
Harry Potter display at Booksy Galore in Pound Ridge.

Harry Potter display at Booksy Galore in Pound Ridge.

Photo Credit: Submitted

Poll
Are You Planning On Staying Up To Midnight For The Harry Potter Book Release?
Final Results Voting Closed

Are You Planning On Staying Up To Midnight For The Harry Potter Book Release?

  • Yes, of course. I've been a huge fan from the beginning.
    30%
  • No, too busy drinking my butterbeer.
    70%

With the release of the new book, "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" set for release at midnight Saturday, July 30, many local bookstores are gearing up for what they hope will be a lot of excitement -- and book sales.

Others, however, aren't planning much beyond their pre-sale orders. Some area bookstore owners like Patrick Corcoran of Rye's Arcade Books said that's because the book, basically a screenplay, isn't as highly anticipated while others, like a staffer at Womrath Book Shop in Bronxville said it's not worth doing anything splashy with so many kids in their area away for the summer. 

This latest installment in the series was co-written by J.K. Rowling, Dramatist Jack Thorne and Director John Tiffany, as a two-part play to be performed in London’s West End on July 30.

Booksy Galore in Pound Ridge, however, falls into the first camp-- that of muggles clamoring for bit of Potter magic. Owner Susan Williamson, has a variety of weekend events planned including lots of Hogwarts decorations, table displays, flying keys, a muggle wall to write on, and a 9 3/4 entrance. 

On Saturday, expect a host of activities including making Harry Potter bookmarks and an 8 p.m. movie showing in the garden of the first Harry Potter film complete with butterbeer, golden snitches chocolates, chocolate wands and butterbeer popcorn. Williamson encourages folks to come dressed in costume or in their Harry Potter pj's.

Once the book is released, the party will continue with gift bags and giveaways. RSVPs are necessary so email Susanwilco@gmail.com or call the shop at (914) 764-3171 to reserve a spot.

The Barnes & Noble at White Plains' City Center and the Yonkers locale on Central Park Avenue are also getting into the act Saturday night with a Harry Potter "Countdown to Midnight" party from 8 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. with a variety of activities prior to the midnight release.

Folks will be staying up late, too, at The Voracious Reader in Larchmont where a midnight party starts at 10:30 p.m. and goes till 12:30 a.m. The store will also have special Sunday hours on the 31st from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for those who can't make the late night party on Saturday.

In addition to Potter-themed games on Saturday night -- think Harry Potter Pictionary, Mad Libs and Jeopardy -- there will be themed snacks such as butterbeer and cake. 

The store's staff will also be choosing names from the sorting hat to cast a script reading for Thursday, August 4 at 7 p.m. Call (914) 630-4581 or email info@thevoraciousreader.com to reserve a book -- your entree to the party. 

Lest you think all the fun is on Saturday night, Little Joe's Coffee & Books in Katonah has an array of games, activities and sweet treats planned for Sunday, July 31 including that all important butterbeer. The fun goes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit www.littlejoescb.com/ for more information.

Attending an event? Send photos to jmuchnick@dailyvoice.com for a Potter party follow-up.

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