On Oct. 27, for the second year in a row, Halloween Howl, the annual shopping promotion in Uptowne Olds, will have a Harry Potter theme.
As part of that theme, 50th Avenue will become Diagon Alley, the area in the famous children's book series where young witches and wizards obtained all the things they'd need in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardary.
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., children can go trick-or-treating at participating stores and other establishments in Uptowne. There they'll find Harry Potter-themed games, activities and other attractions for children and their parents to participate in.
"They'll have bobbing for apples, just little sorts of games that you can play in stores and lots of other things," says Dalaura Glubrecht, Uptowne Olds coordinator.
And like last year, from 1 to 4 p.m. in Centennial Park, people can get their photo taken at platform 9 3/4 or go on a ride on the Hogwarts Express.
Quidditch will also be played in the park. This year, it will last a lot longer than last year -- likely the whole afternoon. Last year it had to shut down after only about an hour, due to a scheduling conflict.
Glubrecht says last year, about a dozen businesses and establishments really got into the Harry Potter theme by offering various games and activities for those who stopped by. This year she expects nearly 50 to participate.
"I think everyone kind of kicked themselves in the butt last year who didn't participate," Glubrecht says. "Because we were all so busy. Like in my store, we had at least 1,000 people participate in the activities we had."
She says this year, there'll be more Harry Potter-themed activities and decorations throughout Uptowne, including spell casting and opportunities for people to have their photos taken with cardboard cutouts from the series.
"Between our cardboard cutouts and the other opportunities that we had there were four (opportunities with cutouts last year)," Glubrecht says. "This year there'll be about 10 or 11."
Glubrecht says a food truck will be back again.
"They've agreed to serve up spooky foods and treats and stuff like that as well."
Butter beer will also be for sale again.
"Everyone who did participate last year sold out of everything that they had that was Harry Potter themed. So this year, it's just making sure that we're a little bit more prepared," Glubrecht says.
Glubrecht says Halloween Howl will proceed regardless of weather conditions.
"Whether if it's rain, snow or shining out we're still going to continue with the event."
