‘Harry Potter’ Film to Be Screened Free at Spa-Con September 22 To Mark 20th Anniversary of the Book on Which Movie Was Based

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 free on Friday, September 22.

Spa-Con runs from September 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 ‘Headmaster, Hestia McGonagall, O.M. (First Class), Grand Sorc., Member of the International Confederation of Wizards, Pioneer of Wandless Work.”

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.

The opening ceremony and PG-rated movie will begin at 5:30 p.m. at Bank of the Ozarks Arena, Solleder said.

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 (Audrey Horne) and Sheryl Lee (Laura Palmer) 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 last year event drew nearly 5,000 fans of comics, science fiction, gaming and cosplay. Spa-Con weekend passes are available for $25 via www.spa-con.org. The price will be $35 on the weekend of the convention.

For more information visit www.spa-con.org  or call Bill Solleder at 501-321-2027.