By Angela Houle
EAGLE TIMES CORRESPONDENT
Muggles, witches and wizards alike are abuzz with excitement with the return of Wizarding Week to Keene.
From Wednesday to Sunday, the town will transform into a magical wonderland, celebrating Harry Potter’s birthday with enchantment and delightf.
Wizarding Week will cast its spell on the city, with businesses adorning their premises with whimsical decorations, special menus and hosting performances by magicians and musicians. Art enthusiasts will find a treasure trove of artworks for sale, and families can look forward to family-friendly activities.
The week is the creation of Eat More Cake’s Amy Christiansen-Schoefmann who was inspired by events around the country.
Christiansen-Schoefmann said she has always loved Harry Potter, but having gone as far as Pennsylvania, she had always been “super disappointed” with Harry Potter events.
Four years ago, Keene candy story Life is Sweet was “already doing a Harry Potter birthday celebration, so we thought we’d tack onto that. It was four weeks before the event. I thought because they were so artsy, my first stop would be Machina [Kitchen and Arts Bar] and they were onboard.”
Another 16 businesses would participate the first year.
“It was so cool to see this vision come to life,” she said.
This year, more than 4,000 people have said they are interested in the event on Facebook and Wizarding Week has steadily grown, garnering support from more than 50 businesses, artists and organizations.
“It all started during COVID,” Christiansen-Schoefmann said. “Many businesses have expressed that the event by itself saved them and kept them from closing. We are talking larger than Christmas sales. Even places as far away as Jaffrey get filled up.”
To help attendees navigate the magical offerings, official participating business provide maps of involved establishments and QR codes facilitate voting for the Best Window Display and Best Butter Beer.
Last year’s best window winner Keene Axe House and best butter beer winners Keene Confections Pastry Shoppe, now known as Keene on Cookies, and Ye Goodie Shoppe are set to defend their titles.
Looking ahead to the future, Christiansen-Schoeffmann shares her aspirations for the event’s future.
“One of our goals… is to continue to grow this event,” she said. “I hope that one day I can drive down Main Street and see all the banners be house colors. I also hope we can bring in actors from local organizations to really make it real.”
If you find yourself in Keene during this magical celebration, be sure not to miss out on the festivities and join in the jubilation of Harry Potter’s birthday.
Christiansen-Schoefmann’s Eat More Cake is located at 830 Park Ave. in Keene.
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