FLORENCE- The most magical day of the year is back at Florence-Lauderdale Public Library! On Saturday, July 28, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., the library will be hosting its seventh annual Harry Potter’s Birthday celebration. The day will be filled with crafts, games, trivia, costumes, and more.
“Harry Potter’s Birthday is our biggest single-day event of the year,” says Jennifer Butler Keeton, Programming/Publicity Coordinator at the library. “Last year, we had about 1200 people of all ages celebrate with us. We have kids who are just reading the books for the first time, as well as lots of adults who have been fans for years. There are parents who grew up reading the books, and who now come with their kids—I especially love when we have babies dressed up as little Harry Potters or Dobbys.”
This year’s celebration will include new events like a scavenger hunt and Harry Potter haiku. Also, there will be free butterbeer (while supplies last), sponsored by Rivertown Coffee Co.
The celebration isn’t just about the list of activities, though; it’s about the people. Local teen Savannah Watson, who attends the event every year, says, “Harry Potter’s Birthday means one thing to me: found family. The first year I came, I met my best friend. Every year, I meet new and wacky people—whether that be a little girl and her mom in witchy costumes, or a teen with a full-fledged Hermione Granger outfit. Harry Potter’s Birthday brings people together every year to celebrate not just a magnificent series, but a magnificent community of people who followed it.”
“It really is a special day,” adds Keeton. “It’s an honor to be able to host an event where everyone can leave behind any worries or differences and just enjoy the magic of a great story.”
Here is the schedule of events. For updates on the schedule, visit www.flpl.org/potter.
Crafts & Activities: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Costume Contest: 12 p.m.
Trivia Contest: 12:30 p.m.
Scavenger Hunt: 1 – 3 p.m.
Canvas Bag Decorating (bring your own bag): 1 – 3 p.m.
All Day: Game Room, Photobooth, Films, Haiku, and Butterbeer (while supplies last)
