STAUNTON – The first year, organizers anticipated 1,000 people would come to Staunton's first Potter festival. 5-8,000 people came.
The second year, organizers estimated 5,000 people. Over 10,000 came.
This year, festivalfounder Sarah Lynch says they're expecting 10,000 people.
"Come ready to fall in love with our magical town!" Lynch says smiling.
Voted "The Virginia family-friendly festival not to be missed" by Family Circle magazine, Queen City Mischief & Magic is returning for its third year for three days in downtown Staunton on Sept. 28-30.
Downtown businesses and restaurantshave been figuring out how to prepare for the large crowds that will line up outside their doors.
"We've got a lot of infrastructure," says Lynch. "More shuttles. More parking. More crafts. More everything.Everybody this year is going to up their game."
From the Wine Cellar using their side door as an exit or Baja Bean using kegs for butterbeer to Pufferbellies setting up an areain front for young wizardsto restaurants preparinggrab 'n go food, shop owners are thinking about how to get ready for 10,000 people,and how to keep those long lines moving.
WHAT'S NEW
Slytherin ssssnakes
Leading reptile wildlife educatorMichael Shwedick is coming this year with creatures of wildlife to put on two Saturday shows that is sure to satisfy the Slytherin in all of us.
Reptiles include:
- An alligator snapping turtle
- A tropical lizard from South America or Africa
- An American or Chinese alligator
- An African or Asian crocodile
- The brightly colored Mexican milksnake
- A young adult boa constrictor or anaconda
- An Indian rock python
Food village
This year, more activities will unfold inthe wharf parking lot. This includes the new food village, where visitors can stop and grab a bite to eat at one of the many food trucks and local vendors ready with grab 'n go foods to replenish your energy supplies.
"A lot of us are seriously limiting our menu so we can feed people," says Lynch. "Lots more people."
Vendors include Domino's Pizza, Gloria's Pupuseria, Lydia's Cupcakes, Ben's PB&J's, Firkin Pie Co and Gonzo's Peruvian Chicken.
Need time to relax? There will be a dining hall with a sit down area for people to get off their feet.
Nonprofit alley
Local nonprofits are participating on a bigger scale this year on Byers Street at the Wharf.
Valley Mission is holding a free Dobbysock sale, thanks to local high school art clubs tie-dying and ombre dipping socks in house colors, of course.Don't leave without getting a selfie with Dobby.
Blue Ridge CASA for Children invites muggles and wizards to Frontier Culture Museum for a Race of 100 Harrys. CASA wants you to opt for VIP (Very Important Potter) package.Wizards receive a Gryffindor house robe, wizard wand, wizard glasses, lightning bolt tattoo and a commemorative Race of 100 Harryst-shirt. Runners will be timed individually, and their scores will be tallied to name a Firebolt 5k Cup winner.
CASA will also be making a "cupboard under the stairs" selfie-spot and offering a discover your patronus charm activity to highlight the plight of at risk and foster children while emphasizingthe importance of having guardians protect them.
Charlottesville's Transfiguring Adoptionwill be there to talk about their foster-adoption program and offer a "have you seen this wizard?" activity. The second chapter in the nation, the organization focuses on nurturing kids by "giving a hoot" about their caregivers.
Habitat for Humanity will be bringing their tiny house so moms can have privacy while breastfeeding.
New Directions is Newt Inspections, a cover operation for Dumbledore's Army, crafting safety plans with children.
All of your favorite characters return, along with crafts and activities unfolding inside the shops and on the streets.
Quidditch & Fire Circus
Also moving to the wharf are the quidditch games to open the festival on Friday night and the Fire Circus to add to your Saturday evening fun before heading to bed to rest up for Sunday.
"They've been working all year with more props," says Lynch about the Fire Circus.
MAGICAL SNEAK PEEK
Magic by Fytherley
Fytherley Undercliff's charming act appeals to wizards of all ages with adorable puppets and hilarious hi jinx.
Meet Hermione
Find Hermione at Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museumand get a special take-away.
Myth & Magic Dragon Class
Staunton Books is hosting dragon classes Friday, Saturday and Sunday on the second floor of the Masonic Building at 13 W. Beverley St. Classes are limited to five students each. Reserve your space atMyth & Magic.
Meet the Founders
Staunton's Hogwarts Founders are life of Potter Party
Salazar Slytherin, Rowena Ravenclaw, Helga Hufflepuff and Godric Gryffindor are eager to meet visiting wizards of their houses on Beverley Street.
The Magic Paint Brush Gallery
Free activities throughout the day.
Mandrake Selfie Spot
Don your earmuffs and pull a dangerous mandrake from a pot long enough for someone to snap a photo of your bravery.
Dragon's Cave
Home of the Stauntonian Ridgeback living in its natural habitat. Entry pass includes dragon visitation, rune casting and a raffle ticket to win a prize.
Tarot Readings at the Dragon's Cave
Tarot readings by appointment are $35 for 30 minutes.
Coffee Grind Finger Painting
At the Magic Paintbrush Gallery activity site.
Secret Potions Class by Redwood Hollows
This event begins at the top of every hour and lasts for 45 minutes. Advance tickets are available at the Mischief & Magic website below.
Paint a Magic Mug
The Crafty Fox is hosting Paint Your Own Magic Mugs event again this year.
Magical Miniature Scavenger Hunt
A magical scavenger hunt through Molly's Magical Miniaturia.
Herbology Scavenger Hunt
Professor Sprout needs your help to find all of the plants for Herbology class at the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library. See if you can identify plants found at Hogwarts and in the Victorian Gardens of the past.
Magical Raffle
Each day a magical prize will be awarded to the lucky person whose name is called.
Grow your own Mandrake
Have your hands in herbology by decorating a pot and growing your own mandrakein a classroom.
Tyler the Magician
Tyler will entertain all with three shows from the Beverley Street stage on Saturday.
The Dark Mage's Rise
Each room is $25.00 per person and is one hour in length. Walk-in spots will be available for the escape rooms, but it is suggested spots be reserved in advance.
Wizard's Chess
Play a life size game of wizard's chess and test your strategy against a worthy opponent on a board where you and your friends become the pieces.
Harry & Hagrid arrive at Platform 9 3/4
Be a part of the cheering crowd as Harry and Hagrid arrive at our Platform 9 3/4.
Free crafting
Makers will have several options for free crafts happening at the wharf.
Wizard Play Academy
Because play is magical, children ages 1-5 will have a space to enjoy self-directed, imaginative play with a wizarding theme. Play dress-up, mix potionsin a pretend kitchen, deliver and receive owl posts and play store with wizarding money.
Professor Penny & Magical Owls
Prof. Penny will give a talk with fun visual owl buddies and answer questions about their magical lives right in our backyards.
Divination using Runes (explained by Rune Hilda)
If you have ever wondered about the symbols called runes, Rune Hilda will tell all.
Magical Musical Delights
Need a break in the air-conditioned comfort? Bring family and friends to experience magical music at Trinity Church. Music includes favorites from stage and screen.
"Phantom of the Opera" – film with live accompaniment
See the classic story unfold on the big screen accompanied byinternational artistPeter Krasinski playingTaylor and Boody's pipe organ at Trinity Church.
Blackfriars Playhouse
American Shakespeare Center brings "As You Like It," "Emma" and "Richard III" to stage throughout the festival should wiser muggles and wizards wish to catch a show.
Did someone say mermaids?
It isn't definite, but if Lynch is able to work her magic in time, you might discover a large tank of water swimming with merpeople while you're at the festival.
Need advance tickets? VisitQueen City Magic. Entrance to the festival is always free. Select events have prices, as does merchandise for sale. Many magical crafts and activities are free.
Keep an eye out for a story on parking and a schedule outlining eventtimes and locations as Staunton gets ready to transfigure into the magical world of Harry Potter.
Information about events provided by Queen City Magic.
Reporter Monique Calello can be reached at mcalello@newsleader.com.
