Pottermania sweeps through Davis County

Pottermania swept through Davis County last weekend as muggles anticipated the release of J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows."

The 759-page book is the final installment in the seven-book Harry Potter series, which features the young, brave wizard known to millions worldwide.

Some Davis County Potter fans chose to celebrate the book's release at 144 S. Mountain Road, Fruit Heights, near the future home of the children's bookstore The Three Little Monkeys.

"We couldn't pass up an opportunity for Harry Potter," said Diane Clift, owner of the bookstore.

Harry Potter fans Brandy and Kenny Hill and their daughters, Londyn, 4, and Aurora, 3, were trying to stay awake until the book's official release.

"We're trying to hold out until midnight because we bought the book," Brandy said.

She said Aurora is a big Harry Potter fan. "She likes that he's magical," Brandy said.

"I do love Harry Potter," Aurora added.

Using pencils, ribbon, plastic spiders and colorful feathers, young Potter fans could make wands at the party. The children could also make their own golden snitches, using Styrofoam, foil and pipe cleaners.

"It was fun to make a snitch because now I have a snitch for my collection," said Sage Steeley, 19, of Fruit Heights.

A Muggle version of Quidditch was set up where children could throw plastic balls through three different wooden wreaths.

Children could also try their hand at wizard dueling. They could roll a large dice that had different spells taped to its side. Then, they had to perform the spell that they rolled.

Eight-year-old Sladen Surles of Clinton said the wizard dueling was his favorite part of the party. "It's kind of a challenge to see who wins," he said.

The first group of children who came to the party received a Harry Potter gift box filled with candy, bouncy balls, glasses and spiders. "This is a very wonderful party," Steeley said.

Clift's son, Doug, was dressed as Harry during the party.

"It's the last time we'll be able to do something like this," he said.

Since the first book, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," came out in 1997, the series has sold millions of books worldwide in more than 60 languages.

Dedicated Potter fans have been anticipating the release of the last Harry Potter book, waiting to discover the fate of the young hero.

Clift received 20 copies of the book on July 18 but had to sign a form saying she would not open any of the books until 12:01 July 21.

"It's been hard," she said.

Clift said she held the party to raise awareness for her new bookstore, as well as celebrate the highly anticipated book.

She plans to break ground on a building for The Three Little Monkeys children's bookstore next month. She said the store should open just south of the Rock Loft in Fruit Heights early next year.

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E-mail: nclemens@desnews.com