Locals to solve murder mystery in Port Gamble

Mystery, yes. Intrigue, for certain.

Was it Colonel Mustard in the kitchen with a wrench? Maybe not, but Port Gamble residents will soon find out.

This Saturday, at Kingston Kiwanis’ March Murder & Mayhem, North Enders are the detectives in this life-size, Clue-like game.

Based on the play “The Square Dance of Death” by Mark Robyn, the public gets to piece together the town puzzle and oust who done it.

Locals of all ages can start the detective work between 2-5 p.m. and piece together details at their own pace. Tickets to participate cost $20 per person and can be purchased in all Port Gamble businesses, said Lyn Playle, owner of The Dauntless Bookstore and Kingston Kiwanis member.

The money raised goes to Kingston Kiwanis, part of a global organization of volunteers dedicated to helping children and communities.

The mystery starts out in the conference room, beneath the Port Gamble General Store. Participants turn in tickets and receive a program containing the low-down on the story and a background check on the characters, including where they are located throughout town.

All characters can be searched out and questioned by participants. Like all murders, the game encourages the same watchful, sleuth skills made famous by detectives such as Sherlock Holmes, Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys.

“The public gets really into it,” said Playle. “It’s really a blast.”

At 6 p.m., “after folks decide who they think did the dastardly deed,” everyone meets upstairs in the post office to watch a 15-20 minute reenactment of the murder based on the play. Guests who guess the murderer correctly are entered into a drawing to win $100 “Port Gamble bucks,” good for any business in the town, Playle said.

Various businesses participating include The Port Gamble Museum and General Store, Harmony by the Bay, The Tearoom, Best Friends Antiques, The Dauntless Bookstore and Historic Grounds.

This is Kiwanis’ second year hosting the event.

Last year about 75 people participated. Playle said Kiwanis members hope to double that number this year and fill to capacity of 200 people.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.