SWEDESBORO — Swedesboro is doing it again, bringing the community together with a new and exciting event with the Inaugural Harry Potter-Inspired Halloween Festival on Saturday, Oct. 28 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Swedesboro on Kings Highway (rain or shine).
Since the date was revealed on the Swedesboro Facebook page, the festival has received over 32,000 likes from all over the Tri-State area. However, in order to provide a wonderful experience for local residents, a few fun events are set to take place prior to Oct. 28.
Leading up to the festival, the Greater Swedesboro Business Association will be sponsoring a decorating contest for the local businesses to get everyone in the spirit. Downtown Kings Highway businesses will also have something for everyone on Saturday with the Halloween theme. Be on the lookout for Halloween themed foods, decorations and fun in the local stores. Come out to support and appreciate their creativity.
Additionally, there are two PRE-Potter Contests being offered to all, thanks to Young Rembrandts and Burgundy and Brushes. Create an illusions poster or item to be displayed at the event and/or create a functional dragon or owl to be displayed at the event. All ages may enter- there is even a family art category if you want to work together as a group. See details on the SwedesboroPotter.shutterfly.com website.
Free, fun activity stations geared for kids 12 years old and younger but all ages can participate, will be on Kings Highway from Railroad Avenue to Church Street. For Potter fans, a sorting hat station and some free ‘classes’ including Herbology, Care of Magical Creatures, Charms, lots of photo ops and so much more will be offered.
A limited number of wristbands for $15 will be available on-line for those children ages 5 to 12 who wish to have a more magical experience. This experience includes one guaranteed parking space per family, letter of acceptance, sorting hat experience, lanyard of house, child-sized wand, photo booth access, Marauder’s map, potions class and more.
Please watch the website for the release of the wristbands. But don’t worry, if the wristbands are sold out, there will still be plenty of fun for everyone.
If you really want some excitement, visit the main stage for a fun line-up of events including Halloween Mad Science shows. Dress as a Harry Potter character and show your costume on stage.
Are you an amateur magician? Don’t miss a chance to enter our ‘amateur magician show’ for all ages. And right next to the stage, delicious food truck vendors will continue with foods for purchase. Ashton Avenue will house amazing vendors with themed items for sale and Transfiguration (face painters) at a cost.
Where do you park and enter? Thanks to Spirit Chrysler Dodge Jeep for helping with transportation and thanks to Vern Marino for getting approval from the Borough of Paulsboro for the use of their new Shuttle Bus. A shuttle will be provided from Kingsway High School parking lot as local spaces and lots will be limited. Carpooling is highly recommended.
Other details such as: How do I participate? Can my group run a station? How does my teen (or any adult) volunteer a few hours? All answers can be found on the new website: www.SwedesboroPotter.shutterfly.com including maps, volunteer opportunities, vendors, business information and participation, contests, transportation and activities. But hurry. If you wish to secure a spot for this event, all sign-ups will close by Oct. 11.
Remember, an event as huge as this needs volunteers for success.
This event is sponsored by the Swedesboro Community and a volunteer group. Check out the new, fun, unique way to celebrate Halloween weekend and unite Harry Potter series fans of all ages. Don’t forget to come dressed in your Halloween Costume or as your favorite Potter character to truly experience the magic!
Warner Bros. Entertainment and J.K. Rowling are not associated with or responsible for the festival in any way. We must thank J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros. Pictures & Universal Studios, for without them we would not have the Harry Potter that we all love and cherish.
Thank you to the entire creative team that made Harry Potter a reality.
