Fans of the Harry Potter book and film series can get their cloaks dry cleaned and ready, because Ironton’s Wizardfest returns on November 9 and 10 with familiar faces and two new guests.
“It’s very exciting,” said Brad Bear, one of the organizers of the event, now in its sixth year.
Returning this year are James Payton, who played Neville Longbottom’s father Frank in “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,” and Walles Hamonde, who plays an Auror in “Fantastic Beasts.”
New guests this year include Adrian Rawlins, who played Harry’s father James Potter, and Rohan Gotobed, who played the younger version of Sirius Black.

“I think it’s a good mix for the fans who come, they know the best movies,” Bear said. “When you look at these actors, they’re all incredibly talented, but they’re really prolific and have been in a lot of movies.”
He said that all four actors are not only fan-friendly, but also enjoy talking about their work and careers.
“So if you want to know details about the background of some of your favorite movies of the last 30 years, these guys will probably have them,” Bear said.
While the festival will once again feature some fan favorites like cosplayers, magic classes, escape rooms, and the expanded Harry Potter set from the LEGO Users Group of Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, Wizardfest organizers are constantly updating events to keep the festival fresh for returning fans, and this year is no exception.
“Some of the larger animals we’ve had in the past may not be here this year, but we’re bringing in some new animals,” Bear said. “There are some really exciting changes at BARKer Farm, so we’ll have a giant toad and a Burmese python for a photo opportunity, and we’ll have a new owl, a pretty big new owl.”
He added that there will be a new, fairly large sales tent on Third Street.
“We’re also trying to add new vendors,” Bear said. “We’re trying to keep the number of food vendors down so that fans can fill some of our local restaurants here in Ironton. Every dollar spent in Ironton and Lawrence County stays here.”
And the festival, which attracts thousands of fans over the weekend, is an economic boost for the district and the region.
“I believe Wizardfest has a total economic impact of about a million dollars based on tourism,” Bear said. “That’s because so many people come from outside the area and stop at gas stations, stay in hotels, eat at restaurants and visit local businesses. So it leaves a definite impression.”
Wizardfest begins on Saturday, November 9th at 10am, ends at 7pm, and reopens on Sunday, November 10th at 10am and runs until 4pm.
Tickets can be purchased at www.irontonwizardfest.com.