MARSHALL – Mr. H. Potter’s Birthday Bash will be returning to Marshall for the third year, and with more vendors and activities than ever before.
Becky Armstrong is the market manager for Marshall Farmers and Artisans River Market, and the event organizer for the Bash. She said Harry Potter has always been significant to her.
“It’s the way that I connect with my brother.”
Armstrong said her brother died in 2002, and Harry Potter was the first book he read voluntarily. When the sixth movie came out, her husband bought an extra ticket so they could sit beside a blown up photo of her brother.
Additionally, being a Harry Potter fan has helped Armstrong to make connections with people from all over the state and country.
The event started two years ago when Armstrong’s cousin wanted a Harry Potter-themed birthday party. Then last year, they made it slightly bigger and brought together vendors from Marshall FARM for another Harry Potter birthday party event. Armstrong said that it was even bigger than expected, so they decided to lean into that this year.
People from all over Wisconsin came to the event last year, and Armstrong said this year, they are receiving national attention. Armstrong has a connection with a Harry Potter fan in California, and the event was posted in the national Harry Potter fan club, so Armstrong expects even more guests this year.
The event will take place on Sunday, July 28 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Firemen’s Park in Marshall. There will be vendors all day, and special events throughout the day.
Armstrong said a lot of her farmer’s market vendors are bringing in unique Harry Potter themed merchandise. It will all be homemade and products that people can’t find anywhere else.
Attendees can participate in a magical school called Hedy’s School of Magical Arts with classes like potions, transfiguration and magical creatures. There will also be a scavenger hunt, costume contest and a tavern they’re calling The Flaming Phoenix. Additionally, live bands will be playing throughout the day. Besides food, drinks and merchandise, all of the activities are free and the event is free to attend.
Armstrong encourages anyone to attend, even if they’re not a Harry Potter fan. The vendors will have their normal non-themed items, plus there will be lots of good gift opportunities for friends and family.
There will also be a few premiere vendors in attendance. “Expressively You!” will make wanted wizard caricature sketches for “Have You Seen this Wizard” posters. “As Above Spiritual Retreats” will provide kits to make your own brooms and advanced potions. Finally Midnight Magic will do Magic Ink Airbrush tattoos.
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