Kensington braces for return of 'Diagon Alley' event

Ittakesa little more effort than thewave of awand to transformKensingtonandSunnysideinto amagical wonderland forHarry Potter fans.

This Sunday shops will once again roll outPotter-themedproducts and holdevents for lovers of the popular book and movie franchise atthe Spend a Day inKensington'sDiagonAlley event.

Last year theunexpectedly large crowd of visitorstookbusinesses by surprise. But this year's event should sail as smoothly as a Hippogriffaccordingtoevent founder AlexMay.

"We were reallyoverwhelmedby the response last year," May told the Calgary Homestretch."Literallyoverwhelmed. Wedidn'tstand a chance."

"We appreciate people giving us a second chance"

Around 500 people were expected to attend last year, so organizers and business were amazed when more than 35,000turned up for the event.

TheGummiBoutiquequickly sold out of their supply ofPotter-themedtreats and line ups were so long at the candy store called in extra staffto help serve customers.

"Some people were very patient, and others had an understandably frustrating time," May said of the massive crowds and lines at last year's event."So we appreciate people giving us a second chance."

Read for round two

May saidthere have been stepstakento make things go more smoothly this time around.There will be road closures, washrooms and a first aid tent available, as well as a water station and security provided on site.

"We've prepared for the traffic that we hadand more this year," may said."The business have really outdone themselves this year.We've got some amazing stuff on tap."

With 2017 marking the20thanniversary of the Harry Potter series, Page Books onKensingtonwill havespecial editions of the novels available for sale and Storybook Theater will be performing a reading fromthe script of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone at the Plaza Theater.

Potter, prizes and more

There will also be aQuidditchmatch at theHillhurstSunnysideCommunity Association park, a costume contestpresented by the Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo and plenty of opportunities to drinkButterbeer.

No owl or letter fromHogwartsrequired.

May does recommend taking public transit to the event andsaid Calgary Transit hasdesigned a commemorative "Platform 9-and-three-quarters" ticket stub to mark the occasion.

The event runs this Sunday from 10 a.m. to5 p.m. and roads will be closed from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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• With files from the Calgary Homestretch