Potter fever strikes at midnight tonight
Harry Potter mania hits McMinnville tonight as Bookland in Three Star Mall holds a party to celebrate the publication of “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,” the newest book in the phenomenally popular series by J.K. Rowling. The fun will begin at 9 p.m. and last until midnight with the book officially going on sale at 12:01 a.m.
The local bookseller will provide a plethora of fun activities at the magical event including face painting, trivia contests, a make-believe school for witchcraft and wizardry and craft-time for everyone.
In addition, everyone is invited to wear their favorite Harry Potter costume for a chance to win a free copy of the new book.
There will be cake and punch for the crowd and as an extra added attraction, both of the Harry Potter movies will be playing on DVD during the event on monitors provided by Radio Shack.
Bookland will also be offering a significant discount on the regular $29.99 price of the book by selling vouchers at the reduced price of $17.99 that can be turned in for the book when they officially go on sale at the end of the event. The vouchers will only remain on sale until midnight tonight, or until they run out since there is a limited number, so be sure to go by Bookland today and pick up your discount voucher.
Bookland assistant manager Brittany Herd said the release of a new Harry Potter is a major publishing event.
“They sell really well,” she said. “If there is any indication from the people we’ve had calling and coming out and buying vouchers, then its going to be one of the biggest hits, well, for a long time.”
Herd said the event is a first for the store, and is evidence of the huge popularity of the books.
“We don’t do this for the release of any book,” she said, “have parties or anything. Harry Potter is the only one we’ve ever celebrated really.”
Those who can’t make the party tonight can come in Saturday, June 21 from 10 a.m. until noon when the celebration will continue at the store.