Throughout history, authors were bent on sharing a story, entrancing a reader, captivating an audience, and transporting people to another time or another place. Authors are nothing short of magicians who use the power of words to create worlds, vocabularies, and people on mere paper.
With Chestnut Hill’s Harry Potter Weekend drawing near, it is important to take a moment to thank the woman who created, inspired, and cultivated an entire generation who believe in the magic they may have lost due to humdrum daily responsibilities. J.K. Rowling got us to believe in magic.
There are so many troubles in the world. Some are televised and some we may not even be aware of. Us adults wake up, go to work, pay bills, read the tragic news, and repeat. Books, specifically Rowling’s Harry Potter series, remind us that the world is filled with magic. This is a truly beautiful gift. The Harry Potter series gave its readers hope and magic - the kind they have not had since they were children. There are so many tragedies in the world - it is wonderful to hold on to some of the beauty that is left. As a teacher, I joke with my students that I am a witch and a mermaid and I believe in the fanciful creatures. My goal is not to lie to them, but to show them that even as an adult it is okay to have an imagination – something we are told to have and yet rarely use in fear of being “too imaginative.” There are children that are forced to grow up faster than their peers or deal with certain issues at a young age. They lose a part of their innocence. They lose that essence of what it truly is to be a child.
Books are a magnificent escape and therapy for adults and children alike. J.K. Rowling gave us her heart and shared the adventures of her beloved title character. Due to her series, there are movies, amusement parks, drinks, games, and a whole weekend in Chestnut Hill dedicated to Harry Potter. Storyline aside, it is astounding that a story can have so many people spellbound.
The Harry Potter Weekend in Chestnut Hill – on October 21st and 22nd, 2016 – asks that you take a break from such negative news stories, sadness, and injustice that is evident in the world everyday to just be surrounded by the joys of being a child again and jump inside the pages of an entire generation’s favorite series. If you have never been to the Harry Potter Weekend, please come to enjoy the pub crawl, sorting hat demonstrations, film screenings, and watch the Philadelphia Brotherly Love Quidditch Tournament. This is a fun-filled weekend for adults, families, and children of all ages. This is a weekend you do not want to miss!
For a full line up of the weekend please visit VisitPhilly.com for details.