A spell for perfect weather was cast over the historic Antioch downtown area on Saturday, where the Wizards Weekend took place.
The annual event, sponsored by the Antioch Chamber of Commerce, attracted an estimated 950 people to the various magic classes, scavenger hunts, and oddities tucked away in the town’s shops.
Families with wizards and wizards-in-training had a chance to mingle with professors of the magical arts based on themes in the Harry Potter books. Their first order of business was to go to the First United Methodist Church, which doubled as “The Great Hall” containing Diagon Alley and the Ministry of Information booth, to select a wand.
“Our goal was to create a more immersive experience that encourages visitors to discover downtown Antioch and enjoy a full day of magical fun,” said Barbara Porch, the chamber’s executive director. “We believe this year’s format offers families more of an opportunity to become part of the adventure, rather than simply observing it.”
Almost everyone was dressed in their best wizard garb. The network of cosplay (costume players) was in full force and helped bring the event to life for its eighth consecutive year. They were encouraged to roam the downtown area as different characters. Youngsters were surprised to encounter Brian Niesiec, dressed as an 8-foot giant.
“My role is being a mentor at the ministry, but I’ve got to say it’s hot in this costume,” he said. “The kids love it, though.”
Morning classes were conducted in herbology, learning about items like a Calcutta screaming rose, and a chomping cabbage, with teeth. “The plants are a labor of love, and I get excited about magical things because I like it,” said Professor Griselda Grub in character. “I talk about the plants. Each one took about two hours to make.”
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Maps were also given to visitors to track down the 10 dragon eggs scattered throughout the downtown area for prizes. A Scavenger Horicrux Hunt led the young apprentice wizards to find them and report back to the information booth for a chance to win a Nimbus 2000 broomstick.
Vendors like Chicago-based Elizabeth Akers set up tables for the Quikiosity Magic Company. “I’m a miscellaneous wizard today. Usually I play a goblin with the ears,” she said. “We sell potions and quills, along with humunculi basilis in little bottles, which is something you created that has no soul. Please, no jokes.”
Bellatrix and Delores Umbridge, two mean professors from the Potter books, also engaged visitors along the sidewalks.
“It’s a great adventure throughout the whole town,” said Ainsley Wonderling, who played Umbridge. “This is a great day, great crowd, and we’re all having fun.”
Wonderling, and Cruzanne Lewis, who played Bellatrix, are also members of the chamber.
“This is really great. All the money that’s raised from this event is used to support free events in the community put on by the chamber,” Lewis said.
After climbing the Azkaban Escape Tower to the top, repel-style, young wizards-in-training, Clark and Emily Friscia, were ready to go home.
“He would be magical, and I would protect everyone at all costs,” Emily Friscia said. “It’s fun to be a wizard for a day.”