'Harry Potter' Themed MAGICon to Enchant Greylock Glen
ADAMS, Mass. — First fairies, now wizards.
The first-ever MAGICon is hoping to cast a successful spell on the Greylock Glen, in the shadow of the invisible Ilvermorny school of wizardry, on Sunday, June 18.
The organizer of the one-day "Mischievous Appreciation of Greylock & Ilvermorny Convention," Amanda Zepka, said the event was created to celebrate all things Harry Potter and magical.
"It is very family friendly and the nice thing about it is that you can really be into Harry Potter but just the venue itself is super cool," she said. "There will be live music and it will be fun just to hang out and have a bite to eat."
Zepka said a small group formed after J.K. Rowling, author of the popular "Harry Potter" book series, announced on her website that Ilvermorny, the North American School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, was hidden on Mount Greylock.
She said the group, which eventually was absorbed by ProAdams, was charged with organizing "Harry Potter" themed events in Adams, the home of the fictional magic school.
"We were debating whether or not we wanted to do a series of small events or a few big ones," she said. "We tossed around a few ideas, and they were all really good and exciting, but we felt this was the way to go this year."
The event will feature live music, including the band Harry and The Potters, the internationally known wizard rock band.
Zepka said she once heard the band play in Boston and thought she would reach out.
"When we came up with this idea, I thought I have nothing to lose and I should shoot for the stars and see what happens," she said. "I contacted them and they were really excited about it."
She said the band is celebrating its 15th anniversary and is only making two appearances this year: in Dublin at LeakyCon, the most well know "Harry Potter" convention and MAGICon.
Zepka added that local Celtic band Rakish Paddy will also play.
Along with music, the Boston University Quidditch team will host a game as well as an interactive demonstration of the wizarding sport made popular by the books.
She said attendees are also encouraged to dress up in their finest witch or wizard attire and there will be a costume contest.
There will also be food vendors and an array of other activities.
Zepka said because of limited parking at the glen, attendees can park at the Adams Visitors Center. A shuttle will bring people up to the glen every 15 minutes starting at 12:30 p.m.
The event runs from 1 to 6 p.m. and is rain or shine.
Tickets can be purchased here or at the door. Children age 12 and under can attend for free thanks to the event's sponsor, Greylock Federal Credit Union.
The convention will coincide with the second annual Berkshire Mountains Faerie Festival that will take place Saturday, June 17, at Bowe Field. Those who attend the Faerie Festival can receive a coupon to get $5 off their MAGICon ticket.
"The great thing about Harry Potter is that it transcends all ages, genders and races and whatever the case may be the overall message if ‘Harry Potter’ is very positive," Zepka said. "It's escapism for some people and I think it is a nice thing to do on a Sunday afternoon — celebrate the message of Harry Potter."
Tags: convention, Greylock Glen, harry potter,
