Phoenix Rising was a five-day conference devoted to all things Harry Potter held 17-21 May in New Orleans, Louisiana. The conference featured educational and academic programming presented by scholars, teachers, business and industry professionals, artists, librarians, fans, and others with an interest in the Harry Potter novels, films, and phenomenon. Narrate Conferences, Inc., a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, produces dynamic, innovative educational events for scholars, students, professionals and fans. Phoenix Rising was produced by Narrate Conferences, Inc., and was not endorsed, sanctioned or any other way supported, directly or indirectly, by Warner Bros. Entertainment, the Harry Potter book publishers, or J. K. Rowling and her representatives.
At the turn of the 20th century, Sharon's very existence was threatened by the collapse of the local iron industry as the town's economy and population began to decline. However, the popularity of automobile transportation and Sharon's accessible distance from New York attracted a class of wealthy visitors who fell in love with the rolling hills and quiet valleys. This new weekend population purchased land and built stately country homes, reigniting interest in the area. Steady growth in construction provided much-needed work, and commerce began to thrive again. Early businesses expanded, and new operations opened. Local residents could shop at stores run by the Gillette brothers and A.R. Woodward, fill their tanks at Herman Middlebrook's gas station, and have their health care needs attended to by doctors at the state-of-the-art Sharon Hospital, built in 1916. Eastern Europeans became the town's newest residents, taking advantage of the affordable, cleared land to fuel a large number of highly successful farms. Sharon's residents thrived as they reshaped their town, welcoming newcomers and nurturing a community of inclusion that lasts to the present day.
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