Wizardly World casts spell on Jonesborough

Despite overcast skies and muggy conditions, this year's Wizardly World of Jonesborough went off without a hitch and proved to be one of the town's most successful iterations of the event, drawing a huge crowd and providing a boost for local businesses. Jonesborough Tourism Director Cameo Waters said festivities began Friday evening with an immersive dinner before the main festival filled downtown Saturday. "All the events regarding the Wizardly World of Jonesborough went really well," Waters said. "We had a great time at the dinner on Friday evening. It was really experiential and all of our guests really enjoyed that." Festival activities ran from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, with all tickets for the booths selling out shortly before the event began. "We had a huge turnout," Waters said. "It sold out just before the event began, but it was a great turnout, great weather, and we all had a really great time and great response from all of our visitors and residents who attended." The event also generated strong business for downtown merchants, many of whom embraced the festival theme with decorations, costumes and special offerings. Shops throughout downtown, particularly Fern & Fable, drew large crowds throughout the evening. "I talked to a few businesses before I left that day, and they all had done really well revenue-wise, so that's what we like to hear," Waters said. "It sounds like all the attendees had a great time." The Wizardly World of Jonesborough has become one of the town's signature annual events, drawing visitors from across the region while highlighting downtown's locally owned shops and restaurants.