Plum Community Center to host Harry Potter event

Plum Community Center will be transformed into the fictional school Hogwarts for a major fundraiser.

Wizards and witches of all ages are welcome to grab their cloaks and head down to 499 Center New Texas Road on July 27 for Hogwarts, Honeydukes and Harry Potter.

“Harry Potter” is a series of fantasy novels written by British author J.K. Rowling.

The first book was released in 1997. The series spawned multiple movies and the franchise is worth an estimated $25 billion.

“Traditionally, there’s a huge Harry Potter following,” event coordinator Carol Johnson said. “Any group that puts together a Harry Potter event has a lot of success. There’s kind of a camaraderie among the people that follow Harry Potter. They’re very supportive. I think if they know about this event, they’ll be here.”

Johnson, who’s read all eight books, said the center has been planning this type of event for more than a year.

She encouraged attendees to dress up in their favorite character’s outfit.

“This is something intergenerational that the center can do to involve young people as well as older people,” Johnson said.

Community center visitors can discover their house with the sorting hat, play a game of Quidditch, attend divination and transfiguration classes and satisfy their sweet tooth at Honeydukes’ Sweet Shop.

An owl from the Verona-based Humane Animal Wildlife Center will be on hand at the Eeylops Owl Emporium.

Harry and Hermione are expected to stop by for photo opportunities.

Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children 16 and younger.

Proceeds benefit the center. Call 412-795-2330 or go to plumcommunitycenter.com/events for more information.