If the wizarding world of Harry Potter has forever found a special place in your heart, join Plant City Main Street on Friday, July 28 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. in McCall Park, located at 100 N. Collins St., as it hosts a magical Last Friday event with a Harry Potter-themed celebration honoring the birthday of the famous wizard with the lightning bolt scar.
Harry’s official birthday as recorded in the novels is July 31.
With a bit of imagination and the help of vendors, McCall Park will be the place where aspiring wizards of all ages can immerse themselves in the fanciful tale of witches and wizards fighting an epic battle between good and evil and enjoy the entertainment and a variety of handmade magical wares.
Witches and wizards of all ages are encouraged to don their favorite Harry Potter apparel and participate in a costume contest. Guests are invited to take pictures of themselves in costume and then a link will be shared the day of the event where they can upload them. The following week, the photos will be shared on Plant City Main Street’s Facebook page and the public will vote for their favorite Harry Potter picture. The photo with the most likes will be named the winner.
The event will feature live music by “Ace” Jackson and the Jump Kings, the Main Street Kids Zone with a bounce house and activities for children, a scavenger hunt, an exhibitor market and food trucks. Take a selfie on the train platform at The Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum (dubbed Platform 9 3/4). Dare to ride the extreme gyrosphere, a spinning and rotating thrill ride that mimics what astronauts feel during training.
Several downtown businesses will be staying open late and selling Harry Potter-themed goods specifically for the event. TubTreats Bath and Body will be selling special Harry-Potter themed merchandise. Fringe is hosting a sip ’n shop. Grab a nonalcoholic butterbeer at Krazy Kup or, for a cocktail with more zing, visit Three Hands Meads Company or Roots Tap Room & Wine Bar.
Milk chocolate frogs will be hopping into The Kandy Shoppe. “They’re not magical but will taste delicious,” said store manager Mandy Keyes.
Tina Marie Polson, Marketing and Communications Specialist for Plant City Main Street, said while other themed events have gained in popularity (Star Wars, Halloween, Marvel vs. DC), the Harry Potter-themed last Friday continues to be a fan favorite. “We showed the first Harry Potter movie during our Friday Night Flicks last Friday so that put us in the spirit,” she said.
For more information about the event visit plantcitymainstreet.org or follow Plant City Main Street on Facebook.