potter mania in sevier county

Friday 12:25 AM

Hundreds of Sevier County residents lined up inside Books-A-Million for the release of the newest Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

The line started around 11:00 PM though the store was buzzing with excitement throughout the day. By 12:01 AM the line in the store for the newest of J.K. Rowlings novels wrapped around the store and out the door.

Lana Bowes, a Books-A-Million employee who works for the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism during the day, was dressed in traditional "Potter" attire as were all employees as they worked feverishly to keep control of the growing crowds. "Five minutes until the release," was broadcast over the intercom with a response of cheers from the crowd. "Everyone is just having a good time and enjoying the evening," stated one employee has he hurried by the patrons to get the boxes loaded on the counter. "One minute until the release of the new Harry Potter book," was heard ringing throughout the store as those in line eagerly awaited their chance to get a hold of the 759 page novel.

"We thought it would be fun to come with our friends," stated a group of Sevier County youths as they colored Harry Potter pictures and worked on perfecting their magic wands.

The series of Harry Potter books have been very popular with young and old alike. "I think it's great when you have kids standing in line to read a book," stated Francis Smith of Sevier County. "My daughter has bought every book that has come out."

The last book of the series it is expected to be just as popular as those that preceded it.

Have a great time reading and don't tell the ending! That's part of the fun of reading it!