More info
Visit the Muggles Day Out page on Facebook
MONROE - When two downtown business owners began talking about ways they could increase interest in the Square's historical area, they kept circling back to their shared love of a magical world found only in books.
The Harry Potter series has reimagined the world of witches and adventure for millions of people, opening up a secret society of goblins, centaurs and a battle between good and evil of epic proportions. Those committed to the franchise have memorized the spells learned by the trio of main characters through their seven years of dealing with the bad guys, from a benign leg locker stun to a green blast of light which instantly kills. Some of their adversity was found in the form of professors while other foes served a more sinister agenda under ultimate evil with a name most fear to say aloud.
There is a term used by the wizarding community to describe those without magical abilities - muggles, who have no idea the world of magic even exists. And now, local muggles will get their day of fun and games.
Edelweiss Gifts owner Stephanie Riese, and Stephani King of Thrifty Nifty, have set the wheels in motion for the first "Muggles Day Out," where those non-magical fanatics can indulge in the fantasy of the world of wizards, dragons and giants.
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 3, the free event has promised a number of activities for kids and adults alike, a shift from the original plan. Riese credited the change to a strong response from 20- to 30-year-old fans of the story interested in attending.
Booths will line the street to sell themed food and merchandise provided by local businesses.
Activities range from a Quidditch throw, which is a sport somewhat similar to soccer but played on broomsticks, to classes much like those Harry and his friends take at their school Hogwarts. There will be Harry Potter trivia, varying in difficulty based on age, and even a costume contest for those who arrive dressed in their best cloaks while donning wands of the highest quality.
"I'm super excited because it's one of my personal favorites," Riese said. "I think it's fantastic to come spend the day with people who enjoy the same things I do. We've encouraged a lot of people to come in costume. It's going to be a lot of fun to see what creativity people put into their costumes and how dedicated other people are."
Planning was a whirlwind for the duo. They decided to host the event four months before the event date. In their initial steps, the women put together an event on social media, expecting a small response from Facebook. After receiving numerous RSVPs with each promising to bring a buddy or two, they recognized the event could be much larger than they originally expected. Some people have even promised to travel across state lines to take in the fun based off of the beloved novels.
"We didn't advertise, we put out feelers, and we got overwhelming feedback," Riese said. "Our expected attendance could be up to 3,000."
Riese said it was overwhelming and even unbelievable for some who heard the numbers. Still, she has a firm belief the attendance will be abundant if the weather forecasts remains favorable.
Riese said she has high hopes of hosting the event in years to come and to follow through on a number of ideas they could not make happen for this year. Both organizers hope to make it an even bigger day of Harry Potter festivities for muggles who wish to spend a day in a world where they are capable of casting spells and flying broomsticks.
The Harry Potter series has reimagined the world of witches and adventure for millions of people, opening up a secret society of goblins, centaurs and a battle between good and evil of epic proportions. Those committed to the franchise have memorized the spells learned by the trio of main characters through their seven years of dealing with the bad guys, from a benign leg locker stun to a green blast of light which instantly kills. Some of their adversity was found in the form of professors while other foes served a more sinister agenda under ultimate evil with a name most fear to say aloud.
There is a term used by the wizarding community to describe those without magical abilities - muggles, who have no idea the world of magic even exists. And now, local muggles will get their day of fun and games.
Edelweiss Gifts owner Stephanie Riese, and Stephani King of Thrifty Nifty, have set the wheels in motion for the first "Muggles Day Out," where those non-magical fanatics can indulge in the fantasy of the world of wizards, dragons and giants.
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 3, the free event has promised a number of activities for kids and adults alike, a shift from the original plan. Riese credited the change to a strong response from 20- to 30-year-old fans of the story interested in attending.
Booths will line the street to sell themed food and merchandise provided by local businesses.
Activities range from a Quidditch throw, which is a sport somewhat similar to soccer but played on broomsticks, to classes much like those Harry and his friends take at their school Hogwarts. There will be Harry Potter trivia, varying in difficulty based on age, and even a costume contest for those who arrive dressed in their best cloaks while donning wands of the highest quality.
"I'm super excited because it's one of my personal favorites," Riese said. "I think it's fantastic to come spend the day with people who enjoy the same things I do. We've encouraged a lot of people to come in costume. It's going to be a lot of fun to see what creativity people put into their costumes and how dedicated other people are."
Planning was a whirlwind for the duo. They decided to host the event four months before the event date. In their initial steps, the women put together an event on social media, expecting a small response from Facebook. After receiving numerous RSVPs with each promising to bring a buddy or two, they recognized the event could be much larger than they originally expected. Some people have even promised to travel across state lines to take in the fun based off of the beloved novels.
"We didn't advertise, we put out feelers, and we got overwhelming feedback," Riese said. "Our expected attendance could be up to 3,000."
Riese said it was overwhelming and even unbelievable for some who heard the numbers. Still, she has a firm belief the attendance will be abundant if the weather forecasts remains favorable.
Riese said she has high hopes of hosting the event in years to come and to follow through on a number of ideas they could not make happen for this year. Both organizers hope to make it an even bigger day of Harry Potter festivities for muggles who wish to spend a day in a world where they are capable of casting spells and flying broomsticks.