DATE:     11/11/02
CONTACT:  Cathy English, (864) 654-2341, ext. 136
EDITOR:   Tom Lollis, (803) 284-3343

Clemson University, Elementary School 
will host Harry Potter Extravaganza

     CLEMSON -- The world of Harry Potter will come to life at Clemson
Elementary School when it hosts Harry Potter's Nature Party on
Thursday, Nov. 14, from 6 to 8 p.m.
     This celebration will take place one day before the release of the
film adaptation of J.K. Rowling's second book, "Harry Potter and the
Chamber of Secrets."
     Organized by Clemson Elementary School and Clemson University's
English department and Cooper Library, the party will focus on the
animals and plants found in the Harry Potter books, according to
Clemson University librarian Camille Cooper.
     Like a similar event held last year, the party will feature a wide
variety of educational activities for Harry Potter fans of all ages.
In the "Poetry Palace," kids can read original or published poetry for
one or more voices; prizes will be given in several categories.
     Nature stations staffed by experts from Clemson University's
biology, entomology and chemistry departments, along with volunteers
from the South Carolina Botanical Gardens and the geology museum, will
introduce children to the wonder of wildlife.
     They'll discover what owls like to eat for dinner, identify plants
and rocks, and have the opportunity to see snakes up close. At other
stations, attendees can get their faces painted and even learn how to
make Silly Putty.
     Participants are encouraged to dress up as their favorite plant or
animal from Harry Potter's world or ours. Digital pictures will be
taken of them to take home as souvenirs of the event.
     Dozens of books and other prizes will be given away.
Central-Clemson Public Library will be on hand to offer library card
registration and information. Vendors from the Clemson Newsstand will
be selling the latest Harry Potter books, memorabilia and other books
about plants and animals. Pizza and soda will be sold in the cafeteria
by the Clemson Elementary PTA. The school is at 581 Berkeley Drive.
     "Last year's party was a smash hit, with nearly 800 participants,"
said Clemson Elementary School librarian Cathy English. "We want every
Clemson family to come out and enjoy this event."
      For more information, contact Cathy English at (864) 654-2341 or
Michelle Martin at (864) 656-3193.
                              END