Times Observer photos by Lorri Drumm Sierra Berkhous, a self-proclaimed big Harry Potter fan, helps prepare for Alohomora! A Magical Festival on Friday. The event continues on Liberty St. and Second Avenue in Warren on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Wizards and witches of all ages parked their broomsticks and waved their magic wands downtown Warren Friday evening. Despite some raised wands and commands of “Wingardium Leviosa,” no feathers were seen flying about, but magic was in the air.

Alohomora! A Magical Festival kicked off in downtown Warren Friday evening on Liberty Street and Second Avenue. It continues on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The two-day event is a fan-run festival described as “bringing the joy and creativity of magic to life.”

Love of the magical realm begins with the joy of reading some of the best magical series in the world, according to a statement on the festival website. In keeping with a commitment to literacy, a portion of all proceeds from the event is donated to Free Books for Kids Town, a nonprofit organization that gives free books to children throughout our region.

The original festival in 2018 was postponed due to Warner Brothers/Harry Potter copyright concerns.