Muggles in the village of Clinton will have the rare opportunity to brandish their wands Oct. 24-25 while they tour the majestic Hogwarts Castle, brought to life by students at Hamilton College. "Hogwarts at Hamilton," an event sponsored by the College and organized by student actors and actresses, transforms Emerson Hall into a magical place of spells and potions. Admission is free to the public; however, any donations the club receives directly support the Kirkland Town Library.
The event consists of tours given every hour, from 6-11 p.m. Visitors are accompanied by a character from the Harry Potter books who bring them to different classes, where students perform improvisational skits. Children and families may also relax with characters mingling in the common rooms or outside.
"Hogwarts at Hamilton" encourages literacy and a passion for reading. "It's a great way to give back to a cause that got us all involved in Harry Potter in the first place – our love of reading," said Courtney Carroll '11.
Students dress up as characters ranging from Dobby the house elf to Professor Severus Snape. Whether sweet or sinister, every character is sure to induce laughs.
"It is such a fun weekend, regardless of whether you are a Gryffindor or Slytherin," said Kristin Webster '09. Students make lasting friendships and memories simply because they share a love for a book series they grew up with. Part of the objective of Hogwarts at Hamilton is to reach out to children who may be experiencing the thrill of J.K. Rowling's stories for the first time.
Carroll remarked with a smile, "Hogwarts at Hamilton is fun because it is the one time of year you get to be in a large group of people, speaking in British accents and making dorky jokes that people actually understand."
-- by Allison Eck '12
