Young apprentice, conjurers dressed in robes and carrying wands, took over Antioch’s historic downtown Saturday for Wizards Weekend Day.
The fifth edition of the event brought out more than 300 families, as the downtown was turned into a wizards village.
The event featured a rock-climbing wall in a small park tucked between buildings, and a Ministry of Magic booth, where wands and maps were available.
The United Methodist Church social hall filled in for the Great Hall, and was home for the “magical meetups.” Young wizards mingled with professors of the wizardly arts, ghosts, death-eaters and other costumed players in familiar roles from books and movies.
“It started by someone really enjoying films and books about young wizards, and then finding a volunteer group with the same interest level,” said Barbara Porch, the executive director for the Antioch Chamber of Commerce. “The chamber reached out for cosplay wizards. The word is a contraction for costumed players, and we were unbelievably fortunate.”
Families walking along the street encountered characters such as Daffiy the leprechaun, complete with a pipe and shillelagh. His real name is Daniel Crawford.
“My role is the Irish replica, and I was just at Long Grove, too,” he said. “My job there was to hand out pennies for children to toss into the fountain. The money goes to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants last wishes for children. After tossing in the pennies, kids would pester their parents to toss a coin, too.”
Businesses and venues came together to create the surroundings, including the Kid’s School of Magic at the Antioch Public Library.
Anna Hatter, 9, attended the magic school with her father, Gerry, and came away surprised. “I really enjoyed it, and there were snakes,” she said. “I wouldn’t pet them, but one got stuck in my hair. It was still fun.”
The main trick was to get the wristband and wand from the Ministry of Magic booth.
“As the ambassador of magical moments, I make sure everyone has the essentials, and a map,” said Kris Paplowski, a chamber member. “The scavenger hunt is the big favorite, and if all the items are collected, the winner gets a magical prize.”
Porch said the Great Hall took several days to construct, and the backdrops were the focus of attention to get ready for the event. The colorful interior even had a hut featuring a nine-foot tall giant, with a long beard and hair, who greeted visitors. A ghost roaming through the hall also made his way to young visitors and wizards alike.
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“This is our second time at Antioch,” said John Zieler, dressed as the ghost. “My wife decided to keep doing this, as she met some great cosplayers. We make our own outfits.”
Shirley Snider brought her two wizard granddaughters, and both of them were enjoying the day. Lauren, 7, said, “It’s really good. My favorite part is the death-eaters, because they are my favorites.”
Her sister, Janis, 12, said, “I liked just visiting all the shops, and it’s really fun just being interactive with people.”
Porch said the chamber is already looking forward to next year’s event. “We started promoting it, and people who grew up with the same interests were delighted,” she said. “With our community of businesses and public venues … this event grows with more magical experiences every year.”