Swarms of excited Harry Potter fans gathered outside of Betty’s here late Friday night to get their hands on the seventh and final book in author J.K. Rowling’s hugely-popular series.
Store owners Blair and Doug Anderson estimated more than 300 Potter fanatics walked through the doors just after midnight to get their copy of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows.”
“It was really crowded in the store but everyone was just really excited and patient—it was a great atmosphere,” Doug Anderson said.
“Some of the fans were really sad that this is the final book,” he added.
The midnight release party was the third of its kind at Betty’s and, according to the Andersons, it was a great ending to such a worldwide phenomenon.
“It has been a lot of fun for us, and to see the response from the kids that keep coming back each time has been heartfelt,” noted Blair Anderson.
“It gave me goosebumps to see some of the kids come through the door for the last time because some of them have been buying these books for close to 10 years,” his brother added.
In preparation for the big release, Betty’s moved some of their display cases and covered the entire entranceway—from the front doors to the cash register—with beige-coloured fabric that hung from the ceiling to the floor.
Only one glowing light was turned on over the till.
To add to the festivities, Doug Anderson’s son dressed up as the star character, “Harry Potter,” and while he dressed as “Prof. Snape.”
Many signed messages of thanks on a giant paper scripture that awaited them near the cash register at the front of the store.
“Thanks for making reading such a joy,” wrote Paulette and Steven Romaniuk.
“It’s amazing what happens when someone opens a book. Thank you for the magic,” Ken Kellar penned.
The messages from Betty’s page will be put to print in a 1,000-page compilation book, from various stores across Canada, and sent to Rowling.
“If people didn't get a chance to sign the page, they can come back and do that now because it was really crowded on Friday night,” Doug Anderson noted.
The book is on sale at Betty’s for $39.99, taxes included, while quantities last.
They also have the first six novels of the series in stock, namely “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,” “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,” “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,” “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,” “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,” and “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.”
The Andersons noted they were under strict licensing rules of “do’s and don’ts” in order to be able to provide the community with the “Potter” books.
“There were a lot of rules we had to follow in order to become a retailer of these books and to be able to hold the release party,” Doug Anderson said.
“We couldn’t open the book boxes prior to midnight and we couldn’t open the doors to the public until then, either,” added Blair.
They also were bound by contract to a “no comment” clause as to any inquiries about sales and order information.
“We learned over the years how many books we need to order in advance and have gotten used to all the clauses,” Doug Anderson said.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
