Free screening of Harry Potter film at 2017 Spa-Con
The book on which the first Harry Potter movie was based is 20 years old, and the 2017 Spa-Con multiple-genre comics and science fiction convention will screen the film for free at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 22 at Bank of the Ozarks Arena.
Spa-Con runs from Sept. 22-24 at the Hot Springs Convention Center. It is sponsored jointly by Visit Hot Springs and the Garland County Library.
“The screening of ‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone’ will be a great opening for our second annual Spa-Con,” said Bill Solleder, marketing director of Visit Hot Springs and one of the organizers of the original convention. “We’re encouraging Potter fans to come dressed as members of their favorite Hogwarts house, and we will have a welcoming address from Professor Minerva McGonagall.”
This is the 20th anniversary of the publication of J.K. Rowling’s book, “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,” which was the British title of the book that began a worldwide publishing and movie phenomenon.
Some of Spa-Con’s special guests will be on hand for the movie screening.
Among the celebrity guests already announced for Spa-Con are Sherilyn Fenn and Sheryl Lee from the “Twin Peaks” television series, and Shannon Purser, who plays Barb on the “Stranger Things” series.
“Fans who purchase the special VIP pass for Spa-Con will be able to interact personally with these three guests during the convention,” Solleder said. “The VIP passes are available now at www.spa-con.org. But only 100 passes are available, so fans interested in meeting these celebrities should get them while they last.”
The first Spa-Con event last year drew nearly 5,000 fans of comics, science fiction, gaming and cosplay. Spa-Con weekend passes are available for $25 via http://www.spa-con.org. The price will go up to $35 on the weekend of the convention.
Call Solleder at 321-2027 for more information.