Waynesboro Wizarding Weekend set to kick off fourth year at Mainstreet Park

The fourth annual Wizarding Weekend event, presented by Mainstreet Waynesboro Inc., is set to kick off Friday evening with live music from West Branch 3 at Mainstreet Park from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

“We are excited to host this fun weekend again for the lovers of magic,” said Bill Kohler, director of economic development for Mainstreet.

“This will be a smaller celebration because of the pandemic and related restrictions, but it will still be big with magical creatures, exploring, fun, shopping, costume contests, food and magic wands.”

Bring your own chair to watch a showing of, “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,” Friday evening at dusk at Mainstreet Park where attendees will receive free popcorn.

Events will be held, weather permitting. The live music is sponsored by the Arts Alliance of Greater Waynesboro, while the movie is sponsored by Kim Mills with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage of Waynesboro.

Highlights for Saturday include the Chest of Secrets Escape Room Challenge created by Adam Long, owls from the Strawberry Hill Sanctuary thanks to Friends of the Alexander Hamilton Memorial Free Library, a visit to the headmaster’s office at Wee Scot Book Shoppe and more than a dozen vendors in Borogon Alley (Main Street Park).

“Guests can also create their own paintings, succulent garden plants and grab a take-home wand kit for free in front of Music Makers, 50 W. Main St.,” Kohler said. “Many of the downtown businesses will be featuring magical specials and offers on Saturday and we ask that folks wear masks and maintain social distancing while moving about the grounds.” Free parking is designated at the Rotary parking lot, south of Main Street.

For a full list of events visit Mainstreet Waynesboro online at www.mainstreetwaynesboro.org.

John Irwin is a Gannett reporter based in Waynesboro.