This past weekend Chestnut Hill welcomed Wizards and Muggles alike for the annual Harry Potter festival. Friday night’s packed pub crawl was an early indication of the festivities to come.

With the arrival of the SEPTA Hogwarts Express on Saturday morning, welcomed by an overwhelmingly enthusiastic fandom, it was heartening to see so many Hillers and visitors partake in the day’s many events.

Germantown Avenue was teeming with kids and adults in Harry Potter glasses, hats, black robes, maroon and yellow scarves (thanks to CHCA) - we even spotted someone dressed in black as “He Who Must Not Be Named!”

People came from far and wide to watch a Quidditch tournament at Hogwarts (aka Chestnut Hill College!) and compete for a generous scholarship, get lost in the Woodmere Art Museum’s straw maze, meet live “Hedwigs” from the Philadelphia Zoo and participate in many, many other activities.

At the marathon reading of Harry Potter’s Chamber of Secrets (thanks to CHCA’s Mike Chomentowski), there were readers of all ages, sprinkled with politicians.

It was another example of Chestnut Hill businesses, volunteers and institutions coming together for a fantastic fun-filled day. The events were organized and executed by the Chestnut Hill Business Association. No wonder it was a huge success with the Martha Sharkey, Kate O’Neil, Peggy Henry and Peggy Miller CHBA team in charge, supported by so many, many willing volunteers.

Eagerly looking forward to next year’s weekend of wizardry and wonder!!!

-- Will Detweiler, President, CHCA