Featuring English-style food, an improvisation show and trivia table, K-State students and Manhattan residents alike will be able to step right into the magical world of Harry Potter Saturday night in the Great Room of Hale Library.
“The library rarely allows the Great Room to have events, so this is a big deal and we want to make it as authentic as possible,” said Mary Kruse, co-chair of the event and junior in accounting.
The “Harry Potter Back-to-School Feast” is hosted by the Union Program Council, K-State Libraries and the Harry Potter Alliance. The Harry Potter Alliance is dedicated to using the examples of Harry Potter and Albus Dumbledore to fight the Dark Arts in the real world, as they promote equal rights and work towards making the world more a peaceful place. Planning for the function began last fall.
Jeana Lawrence, treasurer of the Harry Potter Alliance and junior in journalism and English, said the event is a chance for students to experience the magic of Harry Potter in reality without having to spend the money on a trip to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando, Fla.
“I’m hoping attendees will appreciate dining in a very Hogwarts fashion and enjoy all the activities available for them to experience,” Lawrence said.
The meal will include rotisserie chicken, “Polyjuice Potion” and “Butterbeer,” as well as pretzel stick wands for dessert. There will also be a sorting hat and trivia table with prizes.
Philip Nel, university distinguished professor of English, is scheduled to speak at the event. He gained national publicity for his 2001 publication, “J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter Novels: A Reader’s Guide.” Nel’s work led to the formation of a Harry Potter literature class several years ago.
Kruse also said that while students are encouraged to dress up in Harry Potter attire, it is not a requirement. Lawrence agreed, and said she was looking forward to enjoy a night with other Harry Potter enthusiasts.
“I think attendees will just be excited about going and being able to ‘geek out’ with friends and have a good time,” Lawrence said.
The event’s co-chairs Kruse and Lyndi Stucky, senior in mass communications, said they were excited when approached with this idea.
“It’s a win for everyone,” Stucky said. “We’ve worked closely with the Harry Potter Alliance and it should be a great event.”
The Harry Potter Alliance is well known for their yearly event, the Hallows and Horcruxes Ball. Will Harmon, member of the alliance and junior in English, said the event will still be held on March 8. The feast is not meant to replace the ball.
Darchelle Martin, K-State Libraries’ public relations officer, said the Harry Potter feast will be a unique experience.
“I will tell you from the library’s perspective that this will be an event unlike anything else,” Martin said.
Student tickets are $12, and non-student tickets are $16. They are available at the UPC’s office, located on the 3rd floor of the K-State Student Union, or by calling 785-532-6571.
