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JUNE 6, 2005 at 12:07 AM
Posted by CHEESER
Source: Spellbound!
After months of planning, we're proud to be able to finally release Spellbound2005.com
, information about our huge Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince midnight release party in Mount Prospect, Illinois. The mall, two cities, the visitors' bureau, area businesses and even the mayor have helped us bring this thing to life. Read all about it in the official press release:
Midnight release party at Chicago-area shopping center to draw 10,000 attendees. City officials and area businesses lend support to make memorable event.
MT. PROSPECT, IL -- Award-winning Harry Potter fan sites today announced Spellbound!, an event to celebrate the release of JK Rowling's sixth novel, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, on July 15 at Randhurst Shopping Center in Mt. Prospect, IL.
Attendees of Spellbound! will be enchanted by live music performances, a land-based "Quidditch" game developed by USA Team Handball, a virtual reality experience, costume contests, prize giveaways, trivia, scavenger hunts and more.
Wizarding World Press will present its unique life-sized wizard chess, a game that attracted thousands in 2003. HP Fan Trips, a group focused on Harry Potter-themed travel, is providing its "Quidditch" and virtual reality games. Musical talents Harry and the Potters, Tony Goldmark, Luke Ski and others will perform live on stage.
Online Harry Potter fan sites MuggleNet and HPANA along with Wizarding World Press have been developing the event over six months. WWP, publishers of the Ultimate Unofficial Guide to the Mysteries of Harry Potter, was created by fans and actively supports the online fan community. Both HPANA and MuggleNet have been awarded a Fan Site Award from author JK Rowling herself, and the webmaster of MuggleNet was recently invited by the author to conduct an interview at her Edinburgh home on July 16.
Area hotels have provided convention space and large discounts for travelers and will host several of the Spellbound! attractions. Beyond Boundaries Travel has negotiated rates and is the event's official travel agency. Fans who stay in certain hotels can pre-order the book directly from Spellbound! for delivery shortly after midnight.
"It's a great honor to be the only shopping center in the country associated with the group of organizations that have produced this world-class event," said Margaret Lannen, General Manager for Randhurst.
City officials in Mt. Prospect and Prospect Heights are eagerly anticipating the festival.
"We could not be more excited to host such a wonderful event," said Patricia Wharton, Executive Director of the Prospect Heights Convention and Visitors Bureau. "The economic impact and national notoriety this event will have on our communities is outstanding," said Prospect Heights' City Administrator Matt Zimmerman. "Our city is thrilled to be hosting this event in conjunction with Mount Prospect," added mayor Rodney Pace.
Randhurst Shopping Center, located in Mount Prospect, IL is a 1,021,000 million square foot shopping destination with a variety of national and local retailers offering merchandise, services and entertainment options. The center includes such retailers as Carson Pirie Scott, Home Depot, a 16-screen AMC Theatre, Old Navy, Borders Books and Café, Costco and Jewel-Osco.
Fan sites DanRadcliffe.com, Veritaserum, Harry Potter Fan Zone and others are contributing to the event by operating some of the specific games and contests. Thanks also to The Leaky Cauldron for their support.
Visit the official site to register and learn more about the event!
Reader Comments (364)
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Lady of Godric's Hollow
Points: 5292
GodricsGirl says:
How exciting!!!
You know, it seems to me that Jo realluy should do a midnight reading here in the U.S.
It wasn't until it hit the shelves in America that Harry Potter became the super sensational success that it has. She even said that herself on the Biography channel. The Harry Potter phenomenon went mad when Scholastic bought Sorcerer's Stone and the American public got hold of it.
I wouls fly anywhere in the country for the opprtunity to hear her read.
I'll keep my fingers crossed for book seven.
Posted Jun 8, 2005 at 11:59 AM EST
Order of Merlin, 1st Class
Points: 1941
tsvety says:
Cool!!! I want to go to that party...=D But I can't!! No fair! I wish we had this in my town (Sofia)!!!
Posted Jun 8, 2005 at 1:15 PM EST
The Fifth Marauder
Points: 2771
Curious Werewolf says:
Wow, that sounds good, shame i don't live there...should be great for anyone who goes, though!
Posted Jun 8, 2005 at 1:57 PM EST
Head Girl
Points: 465
Eva Walker says:
I really want to go. Its only 3 hours for my house. That is going to be soo much fun! I can't wait
Posted Jun 8, 2005 at 2:07 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 4th Class
Points: 1333
Madame Crouton says:
Again...NOT FAIR!!! i live in Freaking TEXAS!!! thats on a diffrent side of the COUNTRY!!!! WHY DO I LIVE IN HOUSTON?????? o well have zipididoda fun time if you go *walks away mumbling out of frustration*
Posted Jun 8, 2005 at 2:47 PM EST
Muggle
Points: 66
Man that sounds fun too bad i dont live very close to chicago. :(
Posted Jun 8, 2005 at 3:24 PM EST
Lady of the Rings
Points: 4116
Padfoot4387 says:
I just read the entire thing and I can't even go. It didn't even do much good anyway. The further I read on, the more and more jealous I got towards people who are able to attend. It sounds like so much fun! That Quidditch game sounds awesome!
Posted Jun 8, 2005 at 4:37 PM EST
Auror
Points: 4040
Dan's no.1 fan 4ever says:
Well...I live in the UK so there's no way I'll be going!
Posted Jun 8, 2005 at 5:05 PM EST
Points: 805
crookshanks004 says:
Oh I wish I could go :( There needs to be more stuff happening in Canada!!! Even just a PotterParty would make me happy! I envy all you people who live in places that are overflowing with Potter Mania!! haha.
Posted Jun 8, 2005 at 7:54 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2185
Potterfan5 says:
Upon further research, I have found I actually live about 7 hours from Mt. Prospect, So I don't think I am going afterall, I will be busy waiting in line at Boarders pulling out my hair until Midnight. :)
Posted Jun 8, 2005 at 8:26 PM EST
Magical Music Professor
Points: 4837
MagicalMusicDreamer says:
This event sounds like a lot of fun. I wish I could go, but other things have popped up. Have fun for me guys!
Posted Jun 8, 2005 at 9:12 PM EST
Wizard
Points: 710
Potter-crazed says:
Well last year to celebrate the release of HP and the Prisoner... movie, there was a special night like this in Perth (Western Australia) where we got to try all the different HP foods and drinks. Like pepper imps, butterbeer, etc. However I don’t know if they will host a night for Half-blood :(
Posted Jun 8, 2005 at 10:29 PM EST
Prefect
Points: 335
tre0682 says:
I can't wait for the new book release. I can't wait to get in line July 15th.
Posted Jun 8, 2005 at 10:35 PM EST
Witch
Points: 564
nevada pooh says:
It's cool Chicago is doing something, but I wish my town was doing more.
Posted Jun 8, 2005 at 11:06 PM EST
Points: 124
emz96 says:
Oh my god! YES! I live less than an hour away!!! I'm going to be in Harry Potter heaven in just over a month!
Posted Jun 8, 2005 at 11:17 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 2nd Class
Points: 1614
hermy-ninny712 says:
I didn't even bother to completely read this one because there is no way I will be able to make it to Chicago, probably at any time this year. So, I'm resigned to go to my local Borders bookstore and see what they have going on there...last time it was really boring though. Hopefully, this time will be better...
Posted Jun 9, 2005 at 2:43 AM EST
Points: 67
Narlie Charlie says:
Ive never been to one of these midnight release party things. What do they do? Cheer at midnight then sit down and read?
Posted Jun 9, 2005 at 8:34 AM EST
Wizard
Points: 597
Metallica says:
Thats just so cool i wish i could go but what ashame i i dont live any were near their as im british...
are well ill just keep dreaming and waiting for the book
Posted Jun 9, 2005 at 9:44 AM EST
Professor
Points: 1058
polywolly says:
I wish I could go! I've already pre-ordered and I'll be busy reading during the party. For everyone else who can go, I'm so jealous! Have fun!
Posted Jun 9, 2005 at 9:59 AM EST
Squib
Points: 164
vintalite says:
I wanna go.But I can't *sigh*
Posted Jun 9, 2005 at 11:01 AM EST
Order of Merlin, 3rd Class
Points: 1574
Polgara7 says:
This sounds like such a blast. I wish I could go! But, alas it is too far away from me. I wish they would have something on the East Coast.
Posted Jun 9, 2005 at 11:18 AM EST
Witch
Points: 823
Jynx says:
This sounds wonderful, but I'm sad I don't get to be there. *sob* oh well, I'm going to try to go to a big party for the last one.
Posted Jun 9, 2005 at 2:57 PM EST
Mild-Mannered Reporter
Points: 2804
Superwizard624 says:
Ooo... I'm tempted to go, Chicago's not that far from here. I'd love to party and meet some enthusiasts who are as obsessed as me!
Instead, I will be pushing through a line at a bookstore, trying not to let people cut in front of me... :(
Posted Jun 9, 2005 at 3:00 PM EST
Prefect
Points: 399
Crazie4Dan says:
OHMYGOSH OHMYGOSH OHMYGOSH!!!!!!!!!! MT PROSEPECT IS LIKE 20 MINTUES AWAY FROM WERE I LIVE!!! I have to admit I was a little disappointed that the northwestern town wasnt Elgin, the place that I live, but I sooo excited that its only like less than 20 minutes away!!! I am so going no matter what! Im so excited!!!!
Posted Jun 9, 2005 at 4:19 PM EST
The Dark Knight
Points: 5789
minister for magic says:
That all sounds great!
It looks like there are going to be party's everywhere!
I wish that I can go to one and maybe there will be one near my city!
Posted Jun 9, 2005 at 5:30 PM EST
Head Girl
Points: 475
Vortex7 says:
Oh, yeah? Well, let me tell you, people, all those lucky ones that get to go, I hate you! I'm so jealous I could die right now!
Posted Jun 9, 2005 at 5:57 PM EST
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