Man Transforms His Driveway into Diagon Alley For Charity
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Despite being a muggle, this dad transformed his driveway into a replica of Diagon Alley to help raise money for pancreatic cancer research.
Jonathan Chambers from Seattle clearly knows a thing or two about magic, and spent just 17 days building the structures.
The idea came from a conversation he had with his two daughters, about doing something fun for Halloween last year.
It was then his youngest daughter who suggested Diagon Alley from the Harry Potter films, and the two of them rushed outside with their chalk and started to draw out plans.
Jonathan then spent months drawing up ideas, before realising he would need to hand his notice in at work to give him enough time to complete the elaborate plan.
The creation wouldn't have been possible without dozens of volunteers, and the attraction opened last Halloween.
The #diagonalleyproject nearing completion. Open Halloween through Christmas. @komonews @KING5Seattle @Q13FOX pic.twitter.com/5hMsjn52P3
- Jonathan Chambers (@dummaloop) October 28, 2017
The wizarding shopping street includes Eeylops Owl Emporium, Ollivanders wand shop, Quality Quidditch Supplies, Magical Menagerie, Flourish and Blotts bookshop and Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions.
Jonathan also created hand painted signs, 3D lanterns and even a Golden Snitch.
Speaking to Mashable, Jonathan said: "Harry Potter, this fantastical world is perfect theme for Halloween."
All the 3D printed effects for the #diagonalleyproject were created on my @lulzbot3D printer. See more at https://t.co/U6oO9WETTt. pic.twitter.com/dPrUXtawcc
- Jonathan Chambers (@dummaloop) December 8, 2017
He said: "Diagon Alley is the perfect atmosphere for the holidays from Halloween through the New Year, and we plan to take advantage of the excitement for local charities.
"It took a lot of pre-planning and obsessing over all the details, most of which I did in my head. I did do quite a few drawings and a lot of research on each of the shops and the Alley itself."
People visiting were 'floored' by the results, and 'in awe' of what the family had created in such a short space of time.
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Most of the materials were donated to the dad, but he said he spent around £2,337 ($3000) on the project.
The attraction is currently closed but Jonathan promises to come back even bigger this year.
He continued: "I want people to be inspired to get involved. Make a difference with what you can impact, your community, the people in your immediate circle."
Topics: Harry Potter, Life News, Home, Real