Premiere pulls in Pike's Potter people

WESTFALL n Although considered a dangerous cult to some, (and wonderful reading to others), Harry Potter cast his final spell over Pike County locals last Friday night, with the release of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” the seventh and last installment in the series. Westfall’s Wal-Mart was a hub for the Potter magic, as well over a hundred people crowded the store that evening to buy the book. Considered to be something like a national holiday to dedicated Potter fans, July 20’s late hours, leading up to the midnight countdown, were the most anticipated of the summer, according to many throughout the waiting crowd. Upon arrival at the store, those waiting to buy “The Deathly Hallows” were given a colored wristband corresponding to their place in line at midnight. The first to arrive received a red Gryffindor House band, and would therefore be the first in line to be given books. Pike County Public Library’s Friends of the Children’s Room hosted a Harry Potter release party. Potter-themed food and refreshments outside, along with activities inside, such as straw-wand making, face painting, trivia questions, and debates, kept readers well occupied as they hung around for the night. Additionally, those who came dressed in Hogwarts costumes participated in hourly contests. Each first-place winner was awarded a $10 Wal-Mart gift card, donated by the store for FCR’s use; others got Harry Potter memorabilia. Passing near the store’s jewelry section, one could be drawn into a heated discussion, as readers debated character Severus Snape’s loyalties, led by Children’s Room member Josh Reyes. The scandal has been mused about over the past two years, since the release of J.K. Rowling’s sixth book, “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.” Accordingly, stickers courtesy of Border’s Bookstore reading “Snape is loyal,” or “Snape will betray,” were worn by all fans wishing to show their true allegiance. As early as 11:30 p.m., the wristband lines at Wal-Mart’s Customer Service desk formed, stretching out each door. Sophie Cunningham was first in line for her color wristband. The twenty-minute wait for her copy of “The Deathly Hallows” was not much, when she had waited “forever” for this book. Numerous Potter fans echoed that feeling, saying they had been anticipating this release since the first book, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” in 1997. “I’m sad its finally coming to an end,” said Children’s Room membership chairperson Tricia Forgit. Now that the series is over, she plans on rereading the others. A store-front wide countdown began with minutes left until midnight, as Wal-Mart employees hurried to unpack the books. Once the resounding “Zero!” was heard, books were brought up to the counter and purchased, amid yells of “Can I just touch it?” and “Let me see yours!” The store sold out its order of 720 books by Sunday morning that weekend, while the Friends of the Children’s Room raised nearly $500 to benefit the Children’s Room at the new central branch of Pike County Public Library. They extended their thanks to Luhrs Ace Hardware, who donated a cotton candy and popcorn machine for the Potter party. The Friends of the Children’s Room will host an end-of-summer party, with a talent show and games, on Tuesday, Aug. 9 at 6:30 p.m. at the Milford Branch. With their wait over, and Harry Potter’s last journey on the shelves and in the hearts of millions around the globe, Potter fans say they are happy that the phenomenon of his magic can be revisited with the flick of a wand, or in this case, a page.