By Kamrin Baker
With a little magic, Bellevue’s Fontenelle Forest was
transformed to Hogwarts the evening of Nov. 1 for a “Night at the Forbidden
Forest.”
The event was limited to guests ages 21 and up and featured
a myriad of activities. These activities included “Harry Potter” trivia, walks
through the forest with Hagrid, magical creature encounters, a sorting hat,
wand selection station, photo booths, fire show, butter beer sales and more.
Fontenelle Forest volunteer Marcia Bloom was behind the wand
and Patronus station throughout the evening.
“I was excited to volunteer for the event because I’ve seen
the movies and read some of the books, and it’s a really big deal for a lot of
people,” Bloom said. “It’s exciting to have it here at the forest right after
Halloween. There’s a lot of good—or scary—energy.”
Guests were encouraged to wear costumes, sip on some potions
and enjoy the festivities.
Attendee Kayla Punt, a long-time “Potter” fan, said she had
trouble choosing a favorite moment from the evening.
“Olivander’s was cool because they gave out wands. Mine was Ashwood, made from actual Ashwood at Fontenelle,” Punt said. “I also loved all of the employees dressed as professors. They were in character the whole night, which added to the magic of it all. I would definitely go again next year.”
A curtained version of Platform 9 ¾ greeted guests at the event. A book of spells lay in the Great Hall for attendees to read. 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Fire performers execute a Harry Potter themed show for a captivated audience. Omaha business the Garbled Owl travels to Harry Potter-themed events with themed drinks. Two attendees share a laugh standing in line. The Garbled Owl slung butter beer drinks and floats in souvenir mugs. Guests admired a variety of mystical objects, such as various wands and treasures. Attendees were invited to select their wands and learn their patronus at a station at the event. Fontenelle employee Bob Fuchs holds an owl in a dark and quiet room. A Fontenelle employee dressed as Hagrid basks in the evening glow after leading a walk through the forest. Another costumed Fontenelle employee—dressed as Madam Rolanda Hooch, Quidditch coach—guards Platform 9 ¾. Two guests smile at the photo booth in the Great Hall. A Fontenelle employee dressed as Professor McGonagall welcomes guests to the forest. A Fontenelle employee stayed in character as Dolores Umbridge all night. “I think those Gryffindors are going to be trouble tonight,” she said.
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