Solving a historic murder is the baneful challenge of police and sleuths the world over, but it means something different at the Huble Homestead.
It means pretending to go back in time and giving over to the costumes and characterizations of the annual Homicide On The Homestead event.
This murder mystery is a theatrical game played on the grounds of the living museum north of the city. Each year, a different scenario is presented to the participants, and it is carried out through mild role-playing done by each attendee, under the guidance and help of Huble Homestead staff who are also in character and in costume.
The event takes place on June 25 from noon to 4 p.m., but you must fill out the online registration form (including payment of $30) by Monday.
"After you register, you get information about your character, some background on the other characters you'll be meeting, you might get a few secrets about what's going on that only you or a few people know about, you'll get some tips on how to dress, and let me assure you you do not need to have any acting experience or have a complicated costume. This is just for fun, but the more committed the participants are, the more everyone enjoys what we are doing," said Krystal Leason, operations manager at Huble Homestead/Giscome Portage Heritage Society. This year, the mystery's plot involves a man trying to make a clean break from his life in Prince George, Leason said.
"It is 1927 and wealthy Prince George resident Ambrose Cogshall has decided it is time for him to leave the northern city for good. Before his departure, Ambrose decides to host one last celebration - a spring garden party held at at his home at the Giscome Portage. Ambrose intends to use this party to apologize for his misdeeds and make amends; however, others on the guest list have their own agendas in mind," she said.
When the day arrives and all the participants arrive, they will be given more information to thicken the plot and a few small tasks they are to do to move the story along. There will also be snacks, the sights and sounds of the old farm on the picturesque shores of the Fraser River, and more than a dozen others like you involved in the game.
"It is so, so fun. For me this is work, and it is still a lot of fun," said Leason. "I get to see all the characters playing their roles, all the scheming, the blackmailing, the people slowly getting closer to the truth, everyone working on their objectives. It's one of my favourite things to do each year at the homestead."
Prizes are awarded for best costume, best performance, the most money, and for correctly identifying the killer (or just maybe getting away with murder).
No acting experience is necessary, just a keen sense of fun, Leason said. Registration is now open on the Huble Homestead's website.
