ITHACA, N.Y. — The 12th annual Night at Hogwarts event at Risley Hall on Cornell campus was one of the largest in event history.
People waited nearly three hours, many in decked out Hogwarts costumes, for a chance to meet their favorite Hogwarts crew — Harry Potter, Hagrid, Lupin, Tonks — as well as take part in a magically inspired dinner in the Great Hall (Risley Hall).
According to Chef Manager Kevin Grant, the dining hall usually serves between 200 – 250 people a night. For this event, he and the kitchen workers began preparing ingredients since Monday.
On Friday, the kitchen used 40 pounds of chocolate for chocolate frogs, 120 pounds of potatoes, 12 pans of Sheppard’s pie, 40 gallons of Butterbeer, and 20 gallons of pumpkin juice.
Grant said he estimates that at least 630 people attended the event. It’s difficult to know the exact number of people though, since the dining hall keeps track of the number of transactions processed, not the number of people served.
But Grants said he doesn’t think he’s ever seen so many people turn up for the annual festivities.
“I’ve never run out of desserts,” he said. “We had to make desserts on the fly tonight.”
While waiting in line, attendees were treated to a glimpse of the magical world Muggles (non-magic folk) rarely see: chocolate frogs, impromptu wizard duels and shenanigans, live owls, wand making and the occasional magical curiosity, such as Mrs. Wesley’s knitting needles crocheting scarves while she handed out treats.
Below are photos and video from Friday night’s festivities:
Molly Weasley giving out Chocolate frogs at The Burrow.
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The owlery. I think the small one is Ron’s Pig?
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Oh, come on. The giant squid is an amazing touch.
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I’m pretty sure she was blue a few minutes ago.
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A photo posted by @ithacavoice on
International magical cooperation.
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I think this kid is actually a Slytherin.
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