Harry Potter fans: Party set for this weekend
In a not so far off land called The Vista, there will be a party so geeky and cosplay-rrific that it will assuredly bring most online gamers and netflix abusers out into the light of day to co-mingle with the people behind the online avatars. “A taste of Hogwarts South preview party” at 302 Artisans is a family-friendly Harry Potter themed costume party to preview a murder mystery in the same vein.
I know who dies but nobody else does,” said
Brenda Konitzer
Brenda Konitzer, a fan of the beyond-popular J.K. Rowling series – as well as all things science fiction and fantasy – came up with the idea for the event, thinking what better way to combine her love for cosplay and Potter than to create what the American, southern version of Hogwarts would look like.
“There are so many Harry Potter fans out there we decided to do a murder mystery dinner and do it with the Harry Potter theme,” she said. “And then we decided we needed to do a preview event because we didn’t want to wait till September to have all the fun.”
You can go to one event or both events but you won’t be lost if you just come to one,” said
Brenda Konitzer
Despite the two being tethered together by one powerful magic wand, Konitzer said they can both be looked at as stand-alone events. The preview event is steeped in the world of Potter, with attendees and those working the event encouraged to appear in costume. Food derived from Hogwarts created by in-house caterer Dupre catering will be there for sampling, but with a modern day twist.
“A lot of the food in Harry Potter is very heavy and breadish,” said Konitzer. “So we’re going to sample Dupre’s Vidalia onion dip, which is one of his most popular appetizers. We’re also doing a vegan shepard’s pie that’s being created just for us and two different kinds of chess pies for dessert that represent the real life chess game played in the book and first movie.”
But don’t be surprised if your fantasy of living in Gryffindor is interrupted by the sight of Batman, Ironman or any other costumed-character that has a fan following.
To people that see us dressed up and think that we’re a little nuts, we want to let them know that we’re not completely normal but we’re safe,” said
Brenda Konitzer
“We are “fandom-friendly”,” said Konitzer. “So whatever type of fan you are come as that but just realize that when you come into this world the world is going to look like Harry Potter.”
But that shouldn’t discourage you from coming as the character that closely reflects your bad-ass alter ego. In fact, all costumes will be considered in the running for the kids and adult costume contests, with prizes awarded to the most original and skillfully created.
“With the kids it doesn’t matter as much if they have a store-bought costume,” said Konitzer. “But the adults we’re looking for something they created themselves. They have what is called “closet cosplay” which is when people take clothes that they already have and revamp it into costume. So it’s not like they have to sew the entire look themselves. But it’s the creativity and making it look like the character they’re portraying. The character can be their own character, a Harry Potter character or it can be another fan character.”
Cosplay photographers Tri-Moon Photography and Creative Life photography will join forces and utilize the magic of backdrops and Photoshop for anyone interested in having their very own “wanted posters” a la Harry Potter. John McCullah will provide Harry Potter-themed background music.
Konitzer also wanted to note that there will be vendors on hand selling locally crafted items and commodities. And to show that they are not Voldemort incarnate, 10 percent of the proceeds from sales will be donated to St. Baldrick’s Foundation for Children’s Cancer research.
Overall, Konitzer is just hoping that people show up and have a good time and get a taste of what’s to come in September.
“I’m a believer that all the geeks can get together and enjoy themselves as a group,” joked Konitzer. “It’s not like just because you don’t like Harry Potter you’re not going to be welcome at this event. For years most geeks have felt like they’ve been excluded from everything. We want to share this world with everyone because we have so much fun dressing up. That’s why we wanted to have the preview to be a free event. We’re some of the more inclusive groups that you’ll find. So even if you don’t want to dress in costume, if you’re a “muggle”, come see what it’s all about.”
IF YOU GO: A Taste of Hogwarts Preview Party is on Saturday, 1-3 p.m. A family friendly party to preview the “Hogwarts South Class Reunion Murder Mystery Dinner” on September 19 from 6-10 p.m. There will be food samples, music and costume contests with prizes for both kids and adults. Free and open to all ages. 302 Senate St. hogwartssouth.weebly.com
This story was originally published August 11, 2015 at 8:01 PM.