AAFES announces Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows release July 21 Published July 10, 2007 By Lt. Col. David A. Konop AAFES AAFES Europe -- The countdown is upon us! J.K. Rowling's final chapter in the Harry Potter series, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows" will be released July 21 and AAFES is ready to help you get your copy. At 12:01 a.m. July 21 select AAFES BookMark locations across Europe will be open. "AAFES is thrilled to be a part of what is sure to be a historical event. We are proud to be able to bring this final release to Service Members and family members stationed away from home," said Col. Forrest C. Wentworth Sr, Commander, Army and Air Force Exchange Service-Europe, referring to the release of the 7th and final edition of the Harry Potter series which already has set records for pre-orders. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, J.K. Rowling's sixth Harry Potter book, was released on July 16, 2005, and was the fastest-selling book in history, selling 6.9 million copies in the first 24 hours. All six books have been number one best sellers. AAFES has arranged for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows to be available to deployed troops in Theater as well so they don't miss out on this final release. Deployed Service Members should check with their local PX/BX for availability. Because activities and schedules will be different at each BookMark, customers should check locally and frequently. BookMarks and AAFES stores will have different events at AAFES locations, and the following is a collection of what is currently scheduled: The Bitburg Main Store/Shoppette/Food Court will have Harry Potter movies playing throughout the store all day. There will be a drawing contest where children draw pictures of their favorite Harry Potter character and we will post them on the wall. Baskin Robins will have .99 scoops ice cream for all that come in dressed in Harry Potter costumes (open to midnight). Anthony's Pizza will have available one large topping for 7.99 to get your dinner while you wait for the release of the new Harry Potter Book (open to midnight) At 9 p.m., July 20 just the Shoppette will be open. There will be piñatas for the children and a costume contest where you can dress up as your favorite character. There will be popcorn and other snack ideas made up with Harry Potter logo. There will also be a collection of Harry Potter Books, old and new. In Ramstein, the MS/BookMark will be opening at 12:01a.m. until 2 a.m. for Harry Potter sales. We will have a costume contest, coloring contest, and additional activities in the Food Court from 9 p.m. until midnight. There will also be movies and previous books available for purchase.