NILES — On a typical tour day, Chapin Mansion needs no decoration, as its intricate fireplaces, trim and windows add all the flair needed.

From 5 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8, however, the mansion will be decorated with nods to the fantasy genre as part of the annual Magical Evening of Wizardry event.

Chapin Mansion, the Fort St. Joseph Museum behind it and the Niles District Library next to it will be the hosts of the yearly event of magic-themed games, crafts and activities.

The free family-friendly event is managed by event committee members representing the library and the Niles History Center, which oversees the museum and mansion.

Magical Evening includes a multitude of activities for all ages that attendees could spend the entire two-and-a-half hours participating in, said Andrea Burns, adult services program manager at the library and an organizer of Magical Evening.

Participants can step into the refurbished front entrance of Chapin Mansion and be sorted into the right wizarding house. Then, they may be whisked off to make a wand under the lights of hovering strung candles.

They could then make their way to the museum behind the mansion and go on an eerie scavenger hunt or see fantastical animals.

At the library, people can participate in a flying broom game or take an herbology class, leaving with their own potted chives or parsley.

A magical creature zoo, transfiguration yoga and an astronomy lesson from the Michiana Astronomical Society are also among the activities.

Of course, dressing up as a wizard, witch or other fantasy archetype is encouraged, Burns said. Those that dress up can be entered in an individual or group costume contest, complete with gift cards from local businesses.

Burns and other two other key organizers — Tara Hunsburger, youth services team leader, and Mollie Kruck Watson, history center associate director — already have their costumes chosen.

“As a group, we’re just all big fans, and we’re always trying to come up with programming that our community would enjoy and ways to work together,” Hunsberger said.

The three women have been with Magical Evening since its inception. The event came to be because of the “Harry Potter” book series by J.K. Rowling. The three loved the book series, and so did much of the community.

Hunsberger said she cannot keep the books on the shelves.

“There are not very many book series — kids, teens and adults — that you can say are fresh and wanted and needed,” she said.

“Especially series that adults read and kids and teens read,” Burns added.

Adults remember the books coming out, Hunsberger said. Teenagers remember the its cinematic remakes being released. Children get to experience both at once.

Inspired by the series and always seeking to provide relevant community events, Magical Evening was created by the group. Now, people from the Niles area, northern Indiana and the Kalamazoo area make the trek to the event.

Its theming and activities are meant to celebrate the fantasy genre and, at times, teach attendees something new.

“One of the things that my director, Christina [Arseneau], was saying the other day was the comradery,” Kruck Watson said. “It’s getting a group together — adults, kids, different generations who love the series. There’s something about that that makes the event fun.”

Among the event’s sponsors are OJS Building Services, Priority Computer Services, NSG Pilkington and Pizza Transit.

Food truck Wood, Stock and Grill will also have a presence during Magical Evening, serving magic-themed meals.