The Harry Potter-themed fundraiser, which helps pay for extra costs in participating teachers’ classrooms and raises money for future Hogwarts events, drew approximately 150 people and raised roughly $1,200 in its inaugural run last year.
This year, organizers Vicki Douglas and Cheri Smith, along with the team of faculty, staff and administrators putting on Hogwarts, hope to raise at least $2,000.
“Our goal is really to help teachers so they don’t have to pay for expenses out of their own pockets,” Smith said.
Making the $10 family tickets and $3 individual tickets available at Parkview’s main office now, along with $1 Galleons for treats like the Butterbeer made famous in the J.K. Rowling novels, might help them attain their fundraising goal.
“Last year, people had to wait in lines to get their tickets and money,” Smith said. “We’re hoping to avoid that this year and give people more time to do everything.”
The early purchase option, along with an extra hour added to this year’s Hogwarts – it runs from 6 to 9 p.m. – seems to be drawing a crowd already. Smith said Parkview has already sold enough tickets that she’s projecting at least 200 people show up Oct. 24.
Toddlers and older kids will find the return of the Owlery this year with stuffed owls up for “adoption” along with last year’s owl pellet dissection and crafts.
The Care of Magical Creatures, both living and preserved, is back, along with Quidditch games in the gym, a dress-up photo booth and the Sorting Hat.
Participants can also patronize a variety of shops found in the novels, including, this year, a joke shop, and attend new classes for aspiring wizards.
Professor Dumbledore will offer astronomy lessons outdoors again, and local and school libraries will encourage children to pursue their interests in reading, magical or otherwise. Great Hall concessions will also sell chili, nachos and hot dogs.
Douglas first attended a Night at Hogwarts event at her grandsons’ school and brought the idea back to Rangely.
For more information, call Parkview Elementary School at 675-2267.
