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Potterheads blow up social media to celebrate Harry Potter's 20th anniversary

Zachary Hansen
The Republic | azcentral.com
450 million copes of Harry Potter books have been sold since 1997. That's the same as 90 percent of all books sold in 2013.

Exactly 20 years ago today, a British author finally got her first book published. Maybe you've heard of it? It's a little book by the name of "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone."

This book by J.K. Rowling would go on to spark one of the most well-known and well-loved book series of all time. The Harry Potter series sold over 450 million copies. That's not including the eight successful movies, theme park attractions and other adaptations that have originated from the books.

Hogwarts Castle in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood.

For its anniversary, Twitter has been buzzing with the popular #HarryPotter20 hashtag, including a special emoji of Harry Potter's glasses and his signature lightning bolt scar. Even Rowling herself has gotten in on the action.

20 years ago today a world that I had lived in alone was suddenly open to others. It's been wonderful. Thank you.#HarryPotter20

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 26, 2017

On a local level, the Gilbert Police Department gave Potter some love on Twitter with a gif from the second movie.

Morning #GilbertAZ, we hope your morning traffic is much smoother than Harry's ride to school. If not, we are here for you! #HarryPotter20 pic.twitter.com/V5SVfeVYcr

— Gilbert Police Dept. (@GilbertPolice) June 26, 2017

Facebook has its own easter egg to celebrate. If you post or comment the name of any of the four Harry Potter houses — Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw or Slytherin — the name of that house will be displayed, as well as a pop of magic. It also works if you post or comment Harry Potter.

J.K. Rowling announced in February that the "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" play script would be published as book July 31.

There are many parties, events and celebrations planned throughout the U.K. for the anniversary, but most U.S. celebrations are waiting until October. That's approximately when the U.S. received the re-titled "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," which came out in 1998.

Phoenix already has a few events planned for Potterheads. The Phoenix Symphony will have four performances of the first movie's soundtrack, memorably composed and conducted by John Williams. The performances start October 6 and end October 8. Tickets cost $30 to $99.

RELATED: Release parties for "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child"

Many public libraries host their own Harry Potter fan clubs or events, including the Glendale Public Library. Students at Arizona State University also have their own Harry Potter student organization called ASU's Dumbeldore's Army.

The name comes from the in-universe student organization founded in the fifth book, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix." The organization responded to an email by The Republic and said there are several events being planned for October to celebrate the U.S. anniversary.

Cassie Higgins, 27, of Chandler (R), and Jessie Perry, 23, of Gilbert, had a blast during the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Midnight Release Party at First Draft Book Bar on Saturday, July 30, 2016.

Changing Hands Bookstore in Phoenix has an event on July 29 celebrating Harry Potter's in-universe birthday, which is actually July 31. It costs $10 to attend, which doesn't include food or drinks (call 602-274-0067 for more information). 

For now though, fans can enjoy tweeting and showing off their Hogwarts house with pride on Facebook along with all the other fans around the world to celebrate the origin of "The Boy Who Lived." 
https://www.azcentral.com/story/entertainment/books/2017/06/26/harry-potter-fans-celebrate-20th-anniversary-book-started-all/428851001/
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