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5000 Plus Wizards and Witches Mix with the
Muggles in Oak Park
Oak Park Journal photo
Diagon Alley Draws Over 5000 Visitors

There were reports of as high as 10,000 but most officials believe
the count to be closer to 5000.  People had come from Downers Grove and many other suburbs.  You might have thought that J.K. Rowling was going to be in Oak Park and signing books from the enthusiasm in the crowd.
 


Top Wizards Help in the Judging
Oak Park Journal photo


There was probably someone dressed as Rowling in the crowd, many who came chose a character to appear as.  There were contests for the best of almost each character.  Many of the people appearing on the stage of who is the best this or that even chose to speak their lines identifying themselves with a British accent or French accented pronunciation.
 


First Year Wizards Prepare for the Sorting
Oak Park Journal photo

Oak Park Journal photo


The Weather was Wonderful, the skies clear, and no broom accidents
were reported by Police.
Oak Park Journal photo

The enthusiasm was contagious and many that I spoke to were enchanted with the power of the written word and the draw that this new novel was having on families, parents and children.  In a time where all of my neighbor kids are either playing with toys (because of their young age) or video games on their Xbox and Sony Playstation, or watching mind waning television it is delightful and thrilling to see a book do so well.

Downtown Oak Park, Oak Park Avenue, this wonderful night gives
me hope for all of our futures.  The Magic Tree Bookstore had some
850 books pre-sold to patrons, some for the benefit of local elementary schools and some just ensuring folks of a copy. 
 


Even Hedwig Made an Appearance.
Oak Park Journal photo

Oak Park Journal photo

Thousands of books were stolen in England a day or two before official release and others have been sold prior to the date by some book dealers without a clue.
 


If you came alone you would soon find friends and with
something to talk about too.
Oak Park Journal photo


The Merchants Had Plenty of Company
Oak Park Journal photo


Oak Park followed the letter of the law, no books before midnight.
 


The Press and some Celebrities were on Hand for
the Ground breaking event.
Oak Park Journal photo


When the Clock Struck 12 Midnight the Crowds entered
for their Books and the tale of the 5th Year.
Oak Park Journal photo


In the Center is Ms. Kathy Cannon with her Grandson,
an Avid Reader and fan of Harry Potter.  Ms. Cannon
works with Sandra Sokol in the Village Clerk's Office.
Oak Park Journal photo

There were also an additional 300 books available for people who 
were present to buy a book at the midnight hour, but had not reserved one or prepaid.  I saw several workers and some members of the Oak Park Library Board at the fest and found out that the Oak Park Public library had some 25 copies on order for the fifth Harry Potter book, “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”, but that they already  had some 75 or people who wanted them.  Some retailers did not know when they would get more of the book in, but it appears to be a good seller. 

We bought one book from Magic Tree for $29.99 with some
percentage going to Mann School and the next day I bought another
one at Sam’s Club for $16.00.  With two books in hand the Mrs. and
I settled in for a good read.  Thank you J. K. Rowling and do keep
writing even though you are now wealthier than the Queen of England.

PS.
 


We will not Reveal the Names of these Folks because we
know that there were Copyright Elves in the Crowd looking
for these Shirts.
Oak Park Journal photo

 

Oak Park was featured on local Television stations and new's people
and photographers were even here from Newsweek.  Bravo you Readers.
 
Diagon Alley - in Oak Park

This Friday evening, June 20th,  Diagon Alley will come to our very
own Oak Park Avenue.  The event will occur between Lake
Street and South Boulevard and start at 9:00 pm until Midnight.

Many of the local businesses will transform, evolve, change, or
magically become another location--Diagon Alley.  If you do not have floo powder you could come by the Green Line EL train, the
one that should be painted to look like the Hogwarts Express leaving from track 9 and 3/4.  I do not know if the CTA had been notified, in which case you could come by broom, bike, or foot.

Cafe Winberie will transform to the Leaky Cauldron, C. Foster Toys will become the Quality Quidditch Supplies and Madame Malkin's Robes for all Occasions.    US Bank is said to  become Gringott's Wizarding Bank,  and we are told will have goblin-led tours to its secret basement vault.  Madly Poppin' the popcorn shall become
Honeydukes and will Bertie Botts Every flavored corn.  I am not sure what the cross dressing "Transformations"might turn into but who knows....?

The Magic Tree children's bookstore shall become the Flourish & Blott's bookstore and will have the new Harry Potter book for sale at Midnight (the witching hour).