That's some hootenanny, partner!
Photos by CHANSE WATSON From left: Auction goers Paul Robert (the fated “victim” of the murder mystery), Sean Murphy, Deanne Fitzgerald, Fern Stevenot (the “murderer”), Carol Roberts, Becky Guhlke, Amy Lynn, Tyler Wingerson and Colin Guhlke all sport their best western attire for the Silver Valley Chamber auction on Friday.
From left: Wingerson, Bre Orr, Monica Miller and Josh Van inspect the “body” of Paul Robert just after he was “shot.” That ol’ Wavy Will Bronchus rolled quite a ways after taking a bullet to the chest.
From left: Lindsay Carrico, Emilee Kulin, Brianna Carlin and Rachel Meyer enjoy a meal at the auction.
By CHANSE WATSON, Managing Editor and JOSH MCDONALD, Staff Reporter
BIG CREEK — It was all boots and spurs at the Silver Valley Chamber of Commerce’s annual auction last Friday as the event embraced a new western murder mystery theme.
Held at the Shoshone Golf Course Lodge on Friday, guests showed up to the event in their best western attire to not only bid on some items and raise some money for the Chamber, but also to solve a murder!
Infused with superior acting from Sixth Street Melodrama performers, the night’s theme had prearranged guests filling certain roles in a semi-scripted murder mystery act. Guests who were participating in the fun wore name tags showing their colorful characters name or profession, then throughout the night, these characters would interact with each other to play out the scene.
Those cast as Pinkerton Detectives were tasked with solving the “murder” of Wavy Will Bronchus (portrayed by Paul Roberts), who took a tumble down the hill in front of the lodge after being “shot” by someone.
“The folks who came from the Sixth Street Melodrama were terrific,” said Chamber President Sarah Murphy. “We are so thankful for them helping us and for donating their time. Without them I’m not sure we could have pulled off the theme.”
At the same time as the crime solving, attendees were invited to eat, drink and bid on silent auction items donated to the Chamber for the event.
Toward the end of the night, bigger dollar items were then available during the live auction. Keeping with tradition, one of the live auction items was once again a car donated by Dave Smith Motors to be sold. This year’s winner of the car was Colin Guhlke.
Between the silent and live items, the event raised more than $10,000 for the Chamber, who in turn uses those funds to finance things like Silver Hoops, the community market and many of the holiday celebrations that happen on the western end of Shoshone County.
“Oh my goodness, it was an incredible night. I’ve never seen the community more engaged than they were Friday,” Murphy said. “It was so exciting to see so many new faces as well.”
Murphy and the Chamber were so pleased with the murder mystery concept that they may continue to use the idea for a few more years due to how much fun everyone had.
Right before the live auction, guests had the opportunity to come up to the microphone and state who they thought committed the murder. After all was said and done, it was Abbey Oakley (portrayed by Fern Stevenot) who confessed to the foul deed.
Murphy is already looking forward to next year’s auction and is incredibly thankful for all of the people who made the auction happen, as well as those who made sure it ran smoothly.
“Anyone who donated any of their time, money, auction items or effort to this event, I want to thank you,” Murphy said. “Thank you to Tresa at Black Kettle Kitchen for making sure the food was perfect for our event, to Charlie and and Chad at the golf course, you guys were stupendous bartenders. And thanks to Radio Brewing for helping with the centerpieces.”