Wizardly world of kent
Harry Potter-themed weekend, Wizardly World, returns to downtown Kent
KENT, Ohio — Magic is in the air as downtown Kent transforms into a "wizardly wonderland," with Wizardly World, a Harry Potter-themed weekend, set to return Friday and Saturday.
“We started in 2016 with a release of 'The Cursed Child' so we decided to have a really fun wizard weekend, a wizard day, a festival all committed at that time to Harry Potter," said Michelle Sahr, owner of Off the Wagon Shop. "So we're doing it again this year and it's going to be a lot of fun."
The event was intended to be a small gathering of local Harry Potter fans, but like the Engorgement Charm in the books, the wizarding event in Kent grew and grew.
"Let's do a little event is what you said, let's undertake a little event,'" said Heather Malarcik, Executive Director at Main Street Kent, to Sahr as they discussed decorations. "And I was like, 'Okay, that's entertaining, yeah,' and then there were thousands and thousands of people here."
Now an annual tradition for many across the state, and some from outside Ohio, Wizardly World had a bit of a setback, like many other things, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The state of things in the state
The Ohio city of Kent gets a magical makeover on Saturday, July 28 as it transforms into a Harry Potter-themed Wizardly World of Kent. It’s definitely worth the 3-and-a-half-hour drive — because Floo Powder sadly doesn’t exist.
Formerly known as Kent Potterfest, this fest fêtes the boy who lived and his magical companions with activities, themed menu items, merchandise and more from over 100 vendors, Kent businesses and 14 food trucks.
Based on J.K. Rowling’s best-selling Harry Potter series (and subsequent blockbuster films), the fest was established in 2016 to coincide with the release of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, a manuscript of the play written by Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany. The fest overwhelmed Main Street Kent board members with its popularity and it has become an annual event since. The new “wizardly” theme was launched to encompass more general magical beings — not just the Potterverse.
The free 2018 fest — which runs 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, July 28 — transforms different areas of the city into themed respites. There’s the Gobling Bank Plaza, Forbidden Forest and Diagon Street, all offering events like costume contest
Magic back in Kent for Wizardly Weekend
Children and adults enjoyed magical fun July 18-19 at Kent's Wizardly Weekend. The event, also known as the Wizardly World of Kent, once was known as "Potterfest" to celebrate the "Harry Potter" book series. The title was changed to comply with copyright laws.
It now is "focused on our downtown businesses and celebrating themes of magic and joy," according to Main Street Kent, which organizes the annual festival.
Many of the event's activities still carry a Potter-inspired theme, including a "Sorting Ceremony" sponsored by Emerson Community Care.
Many activities took place at Hometown Bank Plaza, renamed "Goblin Plaza" for the day. Portage Park District brought "Owlbert" and naturalists from Raptor Hallow Sanctuary also displayed animals.
A Whimsical Witches Market was set up at Acorn Alley behind Hippie Fox Rocks and Acorn Alley was transformed into "Dragon Alley" for the day.
Other activities included Wizardly Weekend T-shirts made on demand by Better Together in various sizes and colors; "magical cotton candy" from CLE Cotton Candy; Potion Making with The Kent Community TimeBank; free origami art with Cirque Du Papier; Wand Ma
Main Street Kent will end its Wizardly World event
The final chapter of Wizardly Weekend has been written in Kent.
Organizers of the annual event, which took place this past July, announced it will not return next summer.
The event, launched in 2016, included magic-themed activities such as vendors, food, The Run That Shall Not Be Named 5¾K amusement run, Sorcerer's Swing Putt-Putt, and the Wobbly Wizards & Dizzy Dragons Bar Crawl.
In a social media post, Wizardly World organizers stated that they are looking to create more family-friendly activities for Kent.
"It's been a amusing, magical time hosting Wizardly Planet of Kent for all these years," organizers said on Facebook. "At the conclusion of each [Main Street Kent] event, we assess its impact on our businesses and community. We hold concluded the time has show up for us to sunset this event, as we focus our time and energy on other programs and events in this awesome city."
Heather Malarcik, executive director of Main Street Kent, said that it was time to focus on creating new activities for Kent.
"This event has jog its course and we glare forward to creating more family-friendly, inclusive programming for the metropolis of Kent in t
Vendor Village & Forbidden Forest
Saturday, July 19th, 11am-6pm
The Vendor Village will showcase 40 vendors featuring handcrafted wares on Erie St., from S. Water St. to Depeyster St., all day! This year, there will be a second vendor area in Dragon Alley (aka Acorn Alley), featuring 30+ vendors too! This is the only time any streets will be closed for Wizardly Weekend. Vendors will be ready and excited with their magical, creative merchandise!
On stage at Dan Smith Community Park:
~ Costume Contest (17 and younger) at 12pm
~ Costume Contest (18 and older) at 12:30pm
~ Swish & Flick Live Podcast at 2:30pm
~ Meet and Greet with Swish & Flick at 3:30pm
* No registration required for the above activities.