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WHO KILLED THE SLOUGH'S SWINDLER? – Charlie (Bob Jacobson) says, if he was not at the scene of the crime, he was close by. He was helping out an amateur sleuth, one of over 200 in town digging for clues and probably eating, drinking and shopping.
It's no mystery that combining costumed actors, fun and suspense will draw a crowd. That what happened in La Conner Saturday, when the town's Chamber of Commerce's "The Case of the Slain Slough Swindler," unfurled across Morris and First streets throughout the day.
Huge crowds came out on a sunny, yet blustery spring day. Businesses dotted along the Swinomish Channel had people lined out the door during lunchtime and there was a buzzing of suspicion in the air. Who murdered the fictional character Sam in this pioneer-themed story? How did it get done and why? Nineteen clue locations placed in businesses each held a piece of information to solve the mystery while volunteer actors in 19th century costumes walked the streets trying to convince passersby of their innocence.
"It wasn't me!" exclaimed Bertha Book (Karri Anderson) as she walked along the boardwalk. Rolling Waters Walters (Mike Mitchell) overheard and replied, "could have been her."
In the script these two characters are not linked, but reality offers a different story. Mitchell, who is making his foray into acting, said Anderson, his girlfriend, brought him to what he thought was an improv dinner for actors. It turned out to be auditions for the "Slain Slough Swindler."
"I got bushwhacked" he said of his grand entry into acting. Anderson moved to La Conner in January and heard about the event on Facebook. "We didn't know what we were getting ourselves into [as suspects]. It's great to support the local businesses and it's a fun way to meet your neighbors."
Mark Hulst, Chamber executive director, said over 200 people and groups came for the event. "They've come from all over the region: Tacoma, Portland, Vancouver BC and locally" remarked Lori Gould, a volunteer for the chamber. "[Mark] brought on great energy and I wanted to volunteer for him" she said. She was excited for all of the great events being putting on by the Chamber and that they emphasize involving the youth and providing opportunities for community service.
"My son is super excited. He dragged us down here" said Amanda Jonasen, a proud mom from Anacortes. "We saw some characters that look really funny so far." Dariesha (soon to be) Bartilson was participating with her fiancé. The couple got engaged at Deception Pass New Year's Eve. "We have done this once before. It was with AI [Artificial Intelligence]."
Bartilson explained how interacting with live actors is much more challenging and realistic to detective work, rather than using a cell phone app. "This human-to-human interaction allows the suspects to create their own narrative and the actors are really good." She continued, "everything might look suspicious, or this person is innocent. It's actually really fun. I hope it becomes an annual thing."
Local business owners were also appreciating the event. Clue location and new business Raven's Cup owners Greg and Jenelle Whiting were dressed up in 19th century costumes and had Scott Joplin's "The Old Western Saloon" songs playing in the background. "The suspects tell us things to pass on to the sleuths. Dr. Pill said 'He didn't do it'" said Greg Whiting. "It's a good way to get people in the shop. We're having fun doing this and we're happy the Chamber's putting it on." Jenelle Whiting nodded in agreement, "I'm really excited La Conner is having events to drive in traffic. We really appreciate it."
The event came to a close at Maple Hall where Sherriff Christian Cuffs-Out (Hulst) arrested Darlin' Duffy (Lisa Judy), a spurned lover of Sam's who committed the murder with a knitting needle. Several people correctly guessed the person, motive and murder weapon, which led to a drawing of names to declare the winner. Local resident Pryde Mathewson took home the grand prize: a La Conner getaway package complete with an overnight stay at the Country Inn and gift certificates to the Waterfront Cafe, Calico Cupboard and Nell Thorn. "We will definitely do this again" said Chris Jennings, Chamber board president, who supplied the murder weapon from her shop, Jennings Yarn.
The day was filled with great energy as the murder mystery enveloped the town. Even a casual passerby exclaimed "Don't believe everything you read!" without knowing he was addressing a Weekly News reporter.
Uncanny, if you ask me!
Who knows? This first townwide murder mystery theatre may become an annual event.
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