A small town celebration is on its way to becoming a regular event, all because of a little magic. About a week ago, a small area in Newton, New Jersey was transformed into a famous alley straight from the pages of Harry Potter.
More than two dozen restaurants and stores in the city’s main business district featured elements of the billion dollar franchise. That included the selling of butterbeer and pumpkin juice and a store that assigned wands to young witches and wizards.
The mayor says the event drew larger crowds than expected with many people dressing like their favorite characters or wearing colors of their house of choice. He says there is obviously a demand for this type of event and there are plans to make it bigger and better. That includes the possibility of making it a two-day event, improving parking and adding more facilities.
Some people have also raised concerns about the long lines to get into stores but the mayor says that was due to the unexpected crowds—that no amount of magic could make disappear.
About Brian
CBS News Radio national business journalist Brian Banmiller has spent more than 40 years in the news industry, covering business, politics and the economy on television, radio and in print. Currently, his “Banmiller on Business” reports are delivered to an audience of millions nationwide.
