West Point -- The Koster family of West Point loves J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter books. In fact, last year, the clan gathered for a Harry Potter party that was so much fun, they decided to make it a tradition. Word got out, and the whole community wants to be involved. The now-annual Harry Potter extravaganza was held Oct. 14. Someone unknown to the Kosters even telephoned The Clipper to report the event. To matriarch, Verlynn Koster, it was such a surprise to hear how the word spread about the party that she nearly needed an anti-fainting magic potion! "You've got to be kidding! This Harry Potter celebration just started out as a fun, family thing, and now |everybody wants to come. We're just having fun! It's gotten so big and I have a tiny house!" exclaimed Koster in delight, who expected more than 50 people to attend.

The Kosters are a fun-loving family with nine children, ages 10 to 33. Seven children are still living at home. "Me and my children just love reading these books. The pre-requisite to come to the party is that you must have read all the Harry Potter books," explains Koster, who had seven books ordered of the latest in the series (book six) so that no one would have to wait to read it. While Koster talked about the party, preparations continued. Her husband was outside making wooden wands for party-goers. They had ordered wax molds and were creating chocolate frogs to wrap in golden foil. Koster herself was folding origami owls. The party would also be complete with a sorting hat, potions, and a magic mirror.

Koster maintains that they are not as much Harry Potter fans as they are reading fans, though she later admits they really do love Harry Potter. They simply love to read. The party is a way of extending their imagination of the book. Verlynn doesn't like the movies as much. "The movies distract from your own interpretations. Reading them is much better than watching the show," she says.

The party covers all ages. The Kosters have nine grandchildren that are also included in the event, four who live close enough to attend. "This is a good thing to have a party about. We include all the neighborhood friends and encourage them to read as well. Our object is to have fun! Instead of focusing on the frightening, we focus on the fun," smiles Koster.