Oak Park Newspaper

Free Readers Ensemble

July 20, 2007

Pictures from the Quidditch Match Held in Mills Park.
Original photo from Caroline Stankovich, contrast and gravity editing by
the Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc.

HARRY POTTER'S LAST BOOK IS CELEBRATED VILLAGE WIDE IN OAK PARK
report by Ed Vincent

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is the final book of 7 to be released and its history and success is evident in the grand celebration that took place in Oak Park, all over the town, with many different entities having events and games. There were
dungeon tours, bank tours, chess games (on many levels), and
don't forget Quidditch

The team from Horace Mann were the Hollerin' Hippogriffs.
The Hollerin' Hippogriffs won 215 points to 205 - defeating
the Fireballs. It is not know at this time whether the Fireballs
were using the better Nimbus 2000 broomsticks or if some of them had the Silver Arrow make (an early model).

The Mann Team included:

Gabriel Bullock
Jai Chundi
Eric and Katie Decaro
Sydney and Noah Hauser
Katie McGrath
John Stankovich
Noah and Sophia Zinger

More Pictures from the Quidditch Match Held in Mills Park.
© photo from Caroline Stankovich

Wizard's Chess on the Lawn of Scoville Park, Muggles Were Welcome to Watch.

Some Honorable Muggles Were Invited to Match Their Wits Against a Master Rated Player.
© Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc. photos

Oak Park's Village President David Pope (left) and Forest Park
Mayor Anthony Calderone work together to try and ward off the attacks of their opponent. The only problem was that neither of the dignitaries had much knowledge of the game of
chess, let alone Wizard's Chess (often bloodier than standard
regulation). They were given hints, pointers, and downright
moves from supporters of their effort, but in the end they
were defeated. Good sports though, since neither used their
influence on the local Police to have the park cleared.

Great play was also taking place under tents in Scoville Park.
© Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc. photos

The children in the photo are from Oak Park Elementary schools, and many play in tournaments hosted each year in
Oak Park. Horace Mann school, who won the Quidditch
match earlier in Mills Park has some fine players who won the
first year that they chose to enter the competition. Many of
these youngsters owe their interest to the Harry Potter books-
and many have turned out to be fine players (from all the schools).

There were Television Crews all Over the Parks. Oak Park
has a History of these Events and the Attraction was Huge.

Many, if not all of the Chicago area stations sent persons out to cover some of the magical events. We are not sure if this is
Hagrid with a camera or not.

A Reporter from Chicago is Going to Turn into a Bubotuber.
© Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc. photo

We noted many magical spells being given in open public and
that many portkeys had been active allowing many residents from Hogsmeade to visit Oak Park on this day and perhaps have the Village designated a sister city for the day and part
of the night.

We forgot to ask Mr. Potter if he had used a portkey or floo powder to make his journey.
© Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc. photo

Mr. Potter was a busy man on this day, more than others
unless he was studying for his O.W.L.S.. Everyone wanted a
picture with him. Two young women joined him in his wanderings about the library. He was pleased to hear that
Oak Park had 34 or more books ready for residents at Mid-night.

Rita Skeeter, Harry Potter, and Professor McGonagall Pose
for a Moment.
© Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc. photo

Rita Skeeter, an unregistered animagus, is a highly controversial reporter for the Daily Prophet . Skeeter often uses her floo powder to come and help Debby Preiser in the office. Harry
enjoyed all of the knowledge that he gained from Professor
McGonagall and being in the library is a great place to learn
even more.

The main library in Oak Park is staying open until midnight for the first time in a hundred years.
© Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc. photo

Winky, a female house elf accompanied by a smiling witch.
© Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc. photos

Fawkes, Albus Dumbledore's phoenix used a
portkey to come to Oak Park.
© Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc. photos

Dumbledore's Patronus is a phoenix, and Fawkes is a loyal
magical bird. Fawkes was on the lookout for Lord Voldemort (once known as Tom Marvolo Riddle) or any other dark wizards.

Emma Thompson portrays Professor Professor Sibyll Trelawney in the films, a Teacher of divination. She is joined by Professor McGonagall.
© Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc. photo

To Our Surpise and astonishment Professor Sibyll Trelawney transforms right before Our Eyes to
Executive Director of the Oak Park Library Ms.
Deirdre Brennan.

This jovial wizard is fooling no one with his clever disguise. Everyone knows Viktor Krum.
© Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc. photo

Mr. Chris Columbus a former River Forest native and also director and producer of many of the Harry Potter movies may have been here scouting for new talent, but that is only rumor.

It was a wonderful event and many hoped for an annual event or perhaps bi-annual event to honor this fine tradition of young
readers, chess players, and drama. Police were instructed to
keep an eye out for any Death Eaters or Voldemort supporters.

Earlier there was an illegal Imperious Curse which caused the
destruction in Oak Park of many mature trees in Field Park.

Oak Park Park's Board Scheduled Early Morning Tree
Destruction Before the Harry Potter Festival Launched
Around Town.

Events of the Day
Movie Review of the Latest Film

LINKS FROM PAST POTTER EVENTS AND INSPIRATION.

In 2005 Oak Park Has Yet Another Harry Potter Evening, June 15th
0
In 2004 Oak Park has a Harry Potter ballet
0
June 20, 2003 the First Harry Potter Festival
0
Harry Potter Songs for Muggles with Catalan
November 2, 2002
0
Marshall Field's Christmas Windows from
2000 featuring Harry Potter

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