Adam Johnson
Northern News Services
Wednesday, July 25, 2007

YELLOWKNIFE - It's often been said you can find almost everything you need in Yellowknife - even a dose of Potter-mania.

It's a tale of two books. First, Harry Potter and Deathly Hallows, for which Seamus Daly waited in line on a Friday night. Second, the book he dressed himself as to win the costume contest at the Yellowknife Book Cellar's release party. - Adam Johnson/NNSL photo

Around 130 Potter fans, many in costume, took to the sidewalk Friday in front of the Yellowknife Book Cellar for the midnight release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Kids of all ages were milling about beforehand, eating Potter-themed food, taking Potter quizzes and even beating the crap out of a piñata shaped like the elusive golden snitch from Harry's favourite game, Quidditch.

Among the fray, Jack Panayi, 7, and Rae Panayi, 5, were working on their best wand moves.

"They play Harry Potter all the time," said proud mom Mindy Willett.

She said she had been reading the stories to the pair since Jack was four-years-old.

"These guys are on book four, but I'm reading book seven," she said.

Justin Loomes said he had managed to avoid any spoilers on the Internet that might ruin the ending for him. Not that he has to wait long to get there himself.

"I'll read (the book) in two days," he said.

His friend Jaclyn LePrieur said the Potter release parties have become a tradition for her; one she's sorry to see go.

"I'm sad; it's an awesome way to introduce the books and now it's no more," she said.

Of course, not everyone is a fan.

"I don't like Harry Potter!" shouted one passerby.

So what do these die-hard fans have to say to a sad sack like this reporter, who didn't put his name down for a pre-release?

"I think you need to re-organize your priorities in life," said Dustan Curtis. Ouch.

"I feel bad for you," said Kathleen Smith, soothing my obviously crushed ego.

According to statistics from the book's publisher, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows sold 8.3 million copies in the U.S. and 2.6 million copies in Britain during the first 24 hours of its release.

Yellowknife's contribution that night, according to Book Cellar owner Judith Drinnan, was between 90 and 100 copies.