Carnival Games & Rides

An entire area of the grounds has been cordoned off and reserved for arguably the best area of the fair. Just by the food and rest area stands a large and magnificent arch, fitted with flashing illusory lights that shimmer in changing patterns.

Step right through and you'll be transported to a world of fun and games.

The music changes as you step through the arch, taking on an even more vibrant and upbeat tune. It's almost as if the music has been sped up to match the excitement that can only be found among gigantic rides and questionable carnival games. Confectionery Stalls litter the area, providing the typical fanfare for such an event. There are stalls for cotton candy, toffee apples, lemon drops, and magical sweets that change color or fizz. Should you be in need of a real meal, you'll have to return to the rest area outside.

The area is split into two sections: games and rides.

Near the front, several carnival games have been set up. Come enjoy a game of "Coconut Shy". Throw a ball and hit the coconuts off their stand. Be careful, they giggle and squirm, making them tricky devils. Perhaps the ring toss is more your speed. Collect the rings and try to land them on the moving pegs that seemed to be engaged in their own dance. Not a fan of those shoddy fortune tellers (sorry, Matilda)? Why not try the fortune fish? It's a simple game where you drop a coin (knuts only, we won't give you back any change), then receive a cryptic fortune that may or may not prevent you from sleeping for the next week. Do you know how much a bowtruckle weighs? How about a puffskein? Guess correctly and you could win a prize in our edition of "Guess the Weight".

Beside each of these games is a prize booth. If you're successful at these magical games, you can have your pick of:

• Stuffed creatures (dragons, kneazles,)
  
• Tin Toys (wind-up, enchanted figurines that walk, dance, or duel)
  
• Glass marbles (swirling with illusions—each one shows a different scene when held to the light)
  
• Miniature gramophones
  
• Pressed flower keepsakes (preserved in glass with a charm to stay fresh)
  
• Mood pendants
  
• Whispering shells.
  

* Only one prize per game win.

Not much for games? Toward the back of the area, there are plenty of rides that might still scratch that itch for a good time. The swing boats are a good place to start. A pair of large boats loom, suspended on metal frames. They are magically activated and will not start moving until all passengers are seated and strapped in. Something about liabilities. Each boat seats eight. There is a mini carousel nearby. Granians, abraxans, and aethonan models of varying colours will be your steed. The chair-o-planes ride is not for those who've just eaten. Riders will be seated in chairs, and these will spin continually outward as the ride itself spins. On the outer bands of the games and rides area is a track that houses the "Hogwarts Mini Express". Seating up to 10 students, this train will take you on a tour of the festive grounds. Last, there is the Tunnel of Curiosities. This boat ride will take you through a tunnel full of magical illusions, funky mirrors, and many oddities. It's a world of wonder inside. Each boat seats only two, but there are several boats in operation.

The Prefect in charge of this area is Ruth Elliot. She can be seen moving between the games and rides, offering assistance as needed.