FAYETTEVILLE, W. Va. -One weekend a year, the town of Fayetteville gets a magical makeover for a special event that brings shopping, shows, and classes for wizards in training.
The Wizard Weekend first came to Fayetteville three years ago, brought to life with the goal of helping local businesses through a little bit of magic.
“In town, we kind of like to lean into the wacky and the weird, so it just seemed like a fun idea. January is really slow for us, so we were kind of talking with community members, what can we do to bring people downtown and in town in the slowest time of the year, and this was the first thing that popped up,” says Tabitha Stover, executive director of Visit Fayetteville, the organizers of the event.
On the fourth annual Wizard Weekend, the celebration is still going strong, bringing a full magical market downtown. Guests could also enjoy a magic show, see some folk magic art, find some fantastic beasts, and more.
One popular attraction let wizards make their own wand and apply for a wand permit. Kids we spoke to say they enjoyed the experience and the Wizard Weekend as a whole.
“Just playing with everybody,” says Wesley.
“Being able to, like, hang out, and I like Fayetteville too… It’s pretty and just seeing everybody together,” says Emma.
“…It’s fun making your wands too,” says Evie.
“Everything is free,” adds Emma.
Stover says the event has grown every year since it began with just about every business downtown taking part. One restaurant and event space turned the Victorian-era mansion of the Gaines Estate into a school of Wizardry.
“…It’s decorated in a wizard theme. We have different activity stations, like a herbology class, a potion class, spell making, and some other activities…” says Bill Wells, one of the owners of the Gaines Estate, “…It’s a fun event… it’s something the community enjoys and visitors to the town, and we enjoy doing it.”
Stover says the event brings an average of three thousand people to downtown Fayetteville every year. We asked what made the event so popular.
“It’s just fun, you know, simple fun. Who doesn’t want to use their imagination and dress up and have a fun weekend and get outdoors and just embrace the magic of our town. I think that’s it. And we’re just… I think this is the one place that can pull it off because we are a tight knit community; everybody goes full in, so it’s pretty magical to come out,” says Stover.
Those we spoke to encourage others to join them at the event next year, whether you’re a kid or kid at heart.
You can find more information about the Wizard Weekend at the Visit Fayetteville website and Facebook page.
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