MuggleNet celebrates 10 years of Book Five

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That’s right. Today marks, surprisingly, the tenth anniversary for the release of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Book 5 of J.K. Rowling’s magnificent Harry Potter series, in both the United States and United Kingdom.

In our new commemorative video, we look back on the release party that took place in Oak Park, Illinois on June 20, 2003. On location, local shops led by The Magic Tree Bookstore transformed a full city block into “Diagon Alley,” where wizards and Muggles alike could experience the diversity and excitement of Harry’s wondrous world.

MuggleNet teamed with local Chicago publishing group Wizarding World Press to construct a 25-foot wizard’s chess board in the middle of the closed-off street on Oak Park Avenue, and after the chess match, orchestrated a costume contest. Afterwards, excited fans queued in line and waited eagerly for midnight.

The event in Oak Park was this author’s first Potter book release. And parties like this no doubt happened all over the globe to usher in this quinary installment of the beloved series. For some members of our staff, Order of the Phoenix is our favorite book. For everybody, it is the longest! Where were you on this day ten years ago? Share your story in the comments! Or, you can tweet your story to us (@MuggleNet) on Twitter, using hash tag #BookFiveIsTen!

Eric S.

Eric Scull joined MuggleNet in November of 2002. Since that time, he’s presided over a number of sections, including name origins and Dear Hogwarts, but none so long as the recently revived Crazy Caption Contest. Eric is a Hufflepuff who lives in Chicago and loves the outdoors.