For millions all over the world, the “Harry Potter” series by J.K. Rowling has been a lighthouse in a dark and stormy sea. Sept. 1, 1998, the first book in the series, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” flew off bookshelves in stores all across the U.S.
Since then, Harry Potter has been a household name regarding either the books or film adaptations.
This year, many fans have taken to celebrating their favorite wizard by hosting events dedicated to the 20 year anniversary.
At Elizabethtown College, students have several opportunities to “nerd out” with friends over Harry Potter and meet new people in the process.
Dr. Tara Moore, visiting assistant professor of English, is teaching a Harry Potter—themed first-year seminar this year and is a big fan of the series.
“It’s the fantasy of the child who overcomes and has more power than the adults and is, in a way, wiser than the adults,” Moore said.
The series has held strong over the past two decades, Moore thinks, because it’s a “way to imagine magic in our world.” Harry Potter can be described as a “gateway fandom” for children and adults alike, getting them interested in other literature and mediums of creative expression.
Magic is one literary trope that can be appreciated through the generations and also culturally all over the world.
Some of the events taking place on campus include a Harry Potter paint night sponsored by the Office of Student Activities and an escape room held in the High Library.
Moore is holding a lecture in the library in which she discusses how adoption is portrayed in the Harry Potter series, as adoption also holds a role in her own life. She will also make time for audience interactive brainstorming about the topic.
Events are taking place all over the country to celebrate the anniversary, as well as on Etown’s campus.
Saturday, Oct. 6 at 8 p.m., there will be Wizard Fest: A Harry Potter Party (18+ Event) at The Reverb in Reading, Pa.
The Witches and Wizards Weekend at Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia, Pa. Oct. 19-20 will have fun-filled activities for the whole family such as the ninth annual Brotherly Love Quidditch Tournament and Brews and Broomsticks Pub Crawl for the older crowd.
Stores such as Target are also getting in the magical spirit with a large stock of Hogwarts clothing, and bookstores like Barnes & Noble are carrying the series with new anniversary covers illustrated by Caldecott Medalist Brian Selznick.
“Students who are fans will enjoy connecting with other fans and seeing that community come alive here on campus,” Moore said.
These activities are a great way to have fun and meet new people who have the same interest in Harry Potter.
