Harry Potter Book Launch to make for a magical night Friday

By Ken Johnston
Editor

Muggles from across the area will be under a magical spell in Rainy River this Friday night and early Saturday morning as a book launch party for the latest Harry Potter novel will be held at the old Rainy River Train station.
Hosted by the Rainy River Public Library, Baudette Public Library and Pequana Playhouse, the event promises to be fun and exciting for kids and adults alike.
RR Librarian Penny Shumaker ran a pre-party contest and two lucky patrons won free copies of the book. This Friday eight more people in attendance will win free copies which will be presented to them at 12:01 a.m.
Shumaker said the idea for the party came when she decided to order a couple of copies for the library to have on the launch date. “They made me sign an affidavit that I would not release the book until 12:01 a.m. Saturday.”
The idea for the party just seemed perfect and by chance the launch date is on Rainy River’s Railroad Daze 07.
The party will begin at 10 p.m. and run until 12:30 a.m. Shumaker said they are planning to hang a banner on the old caboose that says Hogwarts Express. She noted that Snape and his magical potions will be there as will many other Harry Potter characters.
There will be games and prizes galore. Pumpkin Juice, Bertie Beans and Caldron Cake will be served to all.
People of all ages are welcome to attend and are encouraged to dress up as their favourite Potter character.
There will be a fortune teller on site and at 12:01 there will be a surprise delivery of the books. Shumaker would not elaborate but did say the books will not be on site until 12:01.
There will also be some special performances throughout the evening and a grand finale which is again “Top Secret.”
There is a $5 per person charge or $10 per family. All are welcome. Activities will be held outside the station if weather permits and inside if not.