NORWICH – The Colonia Theater will host a Harry Potter marathon next week in support of local food pantries and the SPCA. The event is sponsored by the Norwich Merchants Association.

The marathon will begin on Friday, July 8 with “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” and will continue through July 15 with one movie shown per night. The cost of admission is either a $2 donation or a can of food. On July 15, there will be a midnight showing of the latest and final film, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2,” which will be regular price admission.

Colonia General Manager Jeannie Barnes said they wanted to do something special for the final Harry Potter film. The franchise has attracted a huge following and, according to USA Today, the film series is poised to take the rank of highest-grossing film series.

“First we talked to Warner Brothers to get a price,” said Barnes. “[Then] decided to bring it to the Merchants Association.” Many members of the Merchants Association were enthusiastic about sponsoring the event, she said.

Fans hoping for the full Harry Potter experience will get their wish as well. The midnight showing of the newest film will feature a costume contest with prizes for winners. The contest will be split into a few categories including a Harry Potter look-a-like award, cutest wizard award and best overall costume. Barnes said Parson’s Daughter owner Sharon Jeffer will also be selling Harry Potter candy at the shows.