Once upon a time, Maryland Avenue transformed into Diagon Alley -- a Harry Potter-esque shopping area for the wizarding world.

In October 2007, something magical happened: Maryland Avenue closed for an entire afternoon to transfigure into a whole new street. Flourish and Blotts replaced the local muggle bookstore, pumpkins were carved into jack-o-lanterns, and costumed pets paraded down the street. The Harry Potter craze was at its peak, and Maryland Avenue drew a huge crowd in its Diagon Alley disguise.

There was no better way to celebrate Halloween, "The Boy Who Lived," and the generation of kids and teens who loved him.

Back then I was hobbling along the cobbled street on a pair of crutches, but I hardly noticed the ache in my armpits with all the festivities going on. People of all ages participated. It was the busiest I had ever seen Maryland Avenue, a quaint side street filled with shops that don't get as much notice as the ones lining the sidewalks near City Dock. 

Courtesy of Orlando Informer

I had no idea that this was going to be a once-in-a-lifetime event. When the clock struck 9:00 that night, Diagon Alley closed and dissolved back into the street it had been -- the street it still is to this day.

The magic appeared as quickly as Hagrid could tap a brick wall with his wand -- and it disappeared even faster.

But it's not too late! In fact, it's perfect timing. As the Harry Potter generation grows up and has kids of their own, we have a whole new generation to indoctrinate. Dumbledore's Army will rise again! As we age, we get more and more nostalgic, and we want our children to experience the same wonder we did at their age.

Annapolis, now's the time to bring Diagon Alley back! We need it more than ever! And the stores and vendors on Maryland Avenue can always use the business! Accio the good times, and watch the profits roll!

What do you think? Who can we appeal to, to make Diagon Alley a yearly event? Weigh in below, and let's get the conversation started!

Berlin's Atlantic Hotel is rumored to be haunted. Read more about it here!