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Harry Potter Parties 2016

Thursday, Aug 04, 2016 at 1:49pm

On July 30th, 2016, McNally Robinson hosted midnight release parties for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts One and Two in both Winnipeg and Saskatoon. The parties were held to celebrate not only the release of Cursed Child but the fun and magic of the Harry Potter series as a whole. Many of our booksellers are fans of the series, and from past experiences we know there are many Potterheads in the Prairies — and at this year's parties, those fans came out in force.

Our Winnipeg celebration took place at the Lyric Theatre field in Assiniboine Park, and it's a good thing we had all of that open space. Based on previous parties and the response we had on social media, we anticipated around ten thousand guests at this year's party — but ended up with closer to 15,000. With so many Potterheads, many of whom were dressed up in their finest witch and wizard garb, the park was abuzz as guests took in the live entertainment and perused the activities and tents around the party grounds. Among the attractions were Quidditch lessons and scrimmages, a Tri-Wizard tournament, live animals in the Care of Magical Creatures station, a Diagon Alley shop tent, snacks and drinks from The Three Broomsticks, plus much more. All the while there were live performances by JP Hoe and The Mariachi Ghost from the Lyric Theatre stage. To see some photos of the party, explore #PotterPartyWPG on Twitter and Instagram.

Meanwhile, our Saskatoon location hosted a party at the bookstore and surrounding parking lot, which drew in a crowd of over 2000 fans of all ages. The event kept attendees on their toes with everything from high-spirited games of Quidditch to Dementors handing out demerits. A handful of furry (and not so furry) guests made an appearance, including live rats, snakes, and cats. Fans enjoyed frothy mugs of Butterbeer and sweet nibbles of Pumpkin Pasties in Prairie Ink, which was done up in Great Hall chic for the occasion with stars and Hogwarts letters strung from the ceiling. The more daring of the attendees tried their hand at competing in tasks such as the Tri-Wizard Tournament, complete with a series of nail-biting trivia questions. All guests were also invited to sit beneath the Sorting Hat and tremble in anticipation as it deliberated over which House they would be sorted into.

And of course at the stroke of midnight we began handing out copies of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Line-ups at both parties, as well as at our Grant Park bookstore, were filled with hundreds of eager fans, most of whom were beaming and some of whom were teary-eyed with joy, and all were on their way home with their new book in record time.

We thank all of the volunteers and organizations who helped us put our parties together, and a big thank you to all of the Potterheads who joined us for the evening. We had record turnouts at both parties, and — if we're fortunate enough to get another Harry Potter book someday — we hope to see you all at the next celebration.

Categories: Fun, Store News, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Event News

Fandom Fridays!

Wednesday, Sep 24, 2014 at 7:35pm

SASKATOON- Hey there Fans of all things Fandom! If you're a middle and/or teen reader with a thirst for following the things you love, this is for you! Whether a seasoned fandom veteran or a novice looking for a place to get their fandom feet wet, this is the place to discuss all things Fandom**!

**Fandom: (consisting of fan [fanatic] plus the suffix -dom, as in kingdom) is a term that refers to a microcosm of people who are fans of a fiction genre. Apparently Fandom can be traced back to the 1930's! Who knew? It can also be characterized by a feeling of empathy and camaraderie with others who share a common interest. If you are an avid fan and follower of books, movies, television shows, comics, and/or anime, (etc.), chances are, you may already be a part of Fandom culture!

Hosted by our very own Fandom Guru, Tressa, you can expect an excellent evening and a chance to meet, hang out, play games, and participate in Fandom-related activities! We will be discussing a wide range of topics, including, but not limited to, fanfiction, cosplay, fan subculture, fan-created meta, and all things fandom related!

So feel free to join us every Friday at 7:00pm. Groups are always welcome!

Check out our excellent new Tumblr page, mcnallyfandomfridays.tumblr.com

For more info, call the kids desk (306)-955-1477

There is a $5.00 drop in charge to help cover the cost of refreshments/goodies (Mmmmmm! nom nom nom)

Categories: Discussions, Fun, Saskatoon, Ongoing Kids Events in Saskatoon

Fandom Fridays!

Thursday, Sep 04, 2014 at 1:43pm

SASKATOON- Hey there Fans of all things Fandom! If you're a middle and/or teen reader with a thirst for following the things you love, this is for you! Whether a seasoned fandom veteran or a novice looking for a place to get their fandom feet wet, this is the place to discuss all things Fandom**!

**Fandom: (consisting of fan [fanatic] plus the suffix -dom, as in kingdom) is a term that refers to a microcosm of people who are fans of a fiction genre. Apparently Fandom can be traced back to the 1930's! Who knew? It can also be characterized by a feeling of empathy and camaraderie with others who share a common interest. If you are an avid fan and follower of books, movies, television shows, comics, and/or anime, (etc.), chances are, you may already be a part of Fandom culture!

Hosted by our very own Fandom Guru, Tressa, you can expect an excellent evening and a chance to meet, hang out, play games, and participate in Fandom-related activities! We will be discussing a wide range of topics, including, but not limited to, fanfiction, cosplay, fan subculture, fan-created meta, and all things fandom related!

So feel free to join us every Friday at 7:00pm. Groups are always welcome!

Check out our excellent new Tumblr page, mcnallyfandomfridays.tumblr.com

For more info, call the kids desk (306)-955-1477

There is a $5.00 drop in charge to help cover the cost of refreshments/goodies (Mmmmmm! nom nom nom)

Categories: Discussions, Fun, Saskatoon, Ongoing Kids Events in Saskatoon

Kids Time!

Monday, Aug 11, 2014 at 4:25pm

 Join us Sundays at 1:00 pm in the Story Circle for an exciting new program at McNally Robinson for Kids in Saskatoon.

PLEASE NOTE: OCTOBER 12 will be the last session for the 2014 season.

It's Kids Time for children ages 3 to 7, and features sing-a-longs and yoga-inspired movement!

Bring your yoga mat if you like! No registration required: this is a drop-in program with a cost of $5 per child per session. Contact McNally Robinson for Kids at 306-955-1477 for details.

Categories: Fun, Store News, Saskatoon, Ongoing Kids Events in Saskatoon

Fifteen Years in Saskatoon!

Thursday, Oct 10, 2013 at 6:03pm

McNally Robinson Booksellers is proud to celebrate our First Fifteen Years in Saskatoon!

Fifteen years ago this month McNally Robinson first opened its doors to the Paris of the Prairies. It has been fifteen years of remarkable readings, singular signings, brilliant book launches, phenomenal presentations, and sensational celebrations!

As a welcome to new friends Reader Reward memberships are on sale for $15 through the end of October. And for 15 days from October 15th through October 30th all Reader Reward customers will receive 15% off regularly priced bookstore purchases. This offer applies to our Saskatoon location only.

Categories: buzz, Fun, Store News, Saskatoon
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