NILES — Despite the school year being in full swing, children and adults alike enrolled in another educational opportunity on the evening of Friday, Nov. 8. They learned how to become proper witches and wizards.

Magical Evening of Wizardry was hosted by Niles History Center and Niles District Library. The library, the Fort St. Joseph Museum and Chapin Mansion were all decorated in magical attire for numerous fantastical activities taking place in each.

Attendees walked into Chapin Mansion’s large front doors to be greeted by volunteers dressed as witches from the “Harry Potter” universe. After being sorted into a wizarding house, guests could learn about astronomy through the Michiana Astronomical Society, make their own wands, act out animals they were told to “transform” into or learn about ball pythons and ferrets up close and in person.

The Fort St. Joseph Museum’s two floors were divided into two scavenger hunts. The bottom floor housed hidden fantasy creatures. The top floor featured objects of dark wizarding arts.

The Niles District Library taught attendees how to play wizardry games, including a game on brooms; how to plant and take care of plants hardy enough for winter; and how to write with a feather and ink.

The library was also the center of a costume contest. Many attendees dressed up as their favorite Harry Potter universe characters, while others stuck with traditional witch and wizard garbs.

“It was a truly magical evening,” wrote Christina Arseneau, director of the Niles History Center, to the Niles Daily Star. “Every year we add something to the event. Astronomy was a big hit this year, as were all of the ‘magical creatures.’”

She thanked all of the volunteers who directed attendees, ran activities and dress the part.

This is the third year the library and history center have hosted the event, and Arseneau said she plans to host it again next year.