Staunton, Va. (WHSV) — After two years of virtual events, one of the biggest events of the year in Staunton returned in person this weekend.
Downtown businesses are delighted to welcome thousands back to the streets of Staunton.
“Businesses and restaurants say it gets them about a month’s income in two days,” said Sam Bosserman, QCMM’s “Women.”
There are even some new store options opening this weekend.
Sweet Addie’s, a new store on Beverly Street, will be available to order from Saturday.
“We’re glad business owners have gotten into our ethos, and we have a lot of nonprofits that rely on the festival for a lot of fundraising,” said Botherman.
The festival allows people from all over the world to create their own magic over the weekend, Bosserman said.
“We do have a lot of people who actually come back to Staunton in the off season to see and stay, and some even move here for the festival,” Bosserman said.
Festival-goers and volunteers dress up as their favorite Harry Potter or magical characters or creatures to get in the spirit of the festival’s return.
“Thank you to all the people who came out, they were wearing costumes, they bought things, they visited the businesses on these streets,” said Jenny Soenksen, dressed as Fleur Delacour.
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