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September 27th
Movie presentation of
"Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" begins around 8:30PM |
A little over six years ago in Peoria,
Illinois, an idea was
hatched... The idea was to design an event that was both fun and educational. Based on the success of the Harry Potter book series, two Peoria Park District employees (and crazy HP fans), with the help of their supervisor, built an exciting event from the ground up. The three worked tirelessly on every last detail. Tried to leave no idea ignored. Props were designed and built. Wires, lights and speakers were setup. Then, that first Saturday arrived. The supervisor thought she'd be happy to have an attendance of 300 people (that would recoup the minor cost of supplies, because most of the first year was spent begging and borrowing). One of the show designers said she thought we'd probably get about 500 people. The other show designer was a little more optimistic, and he said, "You know, this is pretty popular stuff, we might even get a thousand people." Little did they know, the first year they'd have over 1,400 people attend the event. Every year since, the event has been an extraordinary success. That success gets turned right around every year and is put to use for the following year, providing a better experience for the guest! So what is it this event?? Well... it's "edutainment!" Yes, that's right. It's education disguised as entertainment. After the students arrive, get their tickets at Gringotts Wizarding Bank and pass through platform 9 3/4, they take a magical journey around our "lake" (lagoon). They pass by the Dark Forest with its spooky sound effects, stop and chat with Aragog, the three-foot high spider, stop and take a tour of the Ministry Of Magic on the Ministry of Magic Elevator Ride, and find yourself in the middle of a trial before members of the Wizengamot! The Glen Oak Amphitheatre becomes Hogwarts castle and some of the grounds surrounding Hogwarts. Once inside, there are magical classes. Don't be fooled. Remember "edutainment?" It may be called Potions Class, but it's really representatives from the American Chemical Society performing way-cool chemistry demonstrations. There are others like, "Care of Magical Creatures," "Astronomy," and "Greenhouse no.5" but I won't spoil the surprise. Perhaps you're particularly fond of Hagrid, the amiable keeper of keys and grounds at Hogwarts. Well then, stop by Hagrid's hut for a visit. Madame Hooch also just might provide some Quidditch lessons! While you are at Hogwarts, you may find yourself getting a bit hungry or thirsty. Fear not, The Three Broomsticks, Hog Head Inn or Honeydukes Sweet Shop await your visit with the finest in butterbeer, dragons ale, popcorn and more. They are, of course, all located near Diagon Alley. Once the sun dissolves into the west and just before Professor Lupin turns into a werewolf, we'll wrap things up with fully-licensed, "huge-screen" presentation of "Harry Potter and the Order of The Phoenix!" So, on with the show! See you there! We eagerly await you as our special guests for an evening of pure magical proportions! |
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