Where? Langley, Whidbey Island, WA
When? February 27-28th, 2010
Cost? $5.00 per entry
Langley: a quaint seaside town accentuated by its pristine historical architecture and rolling grass hills dotted with sheep - oddly reminiscent of Sandford (think "Hot Fuzz") - is the site of an annual murder mystery. It just goes to show you that too much of a good thing might just kill you.
On February 27th the city of Langley will commence its 26th annual Mystery Weekend. Each year the theme of the murder changes. This year's theme is Death by Male Order. The Langley Chamber of Commerce writes a chilling interlude:
....bachelors in the little town of Langley on Whidbey Island have decided that old fashioned love letters are the best way to find the right girl. That is until the leader of these eager pen pals is found outside the post office with a letter opener in his heart. Was it one of the blushing brides, a disappointed suitor, or a P.I.A. agent who did him in? The "Moose" and the "Squirrel" aren't talking but maybe you can help solve the latest February murder to hit this usually peaceful little town...
At 10:00am Saturday morning of the 27th, the Langley Visitor Information Center will open to hand out copies of the Langley Gazzette along with entry forms where you may scribble your notes and your final explanation of the murder.
After paying the fee and receiving a copy of the Langley Gazzette, registered "detectives" are ready to confront the suspects who will be strolling about on the streets and loitering in various shops on Saturday and Sunday. The Langley Gazzette will be your primary guide on this mysterious journey - offering the location of clues.
The mystery murder weekend ends at 4:30pm, Sunday afternoon at the Langley Middle School at which point all will be revealed and the murderer will be locked up for good! According to Langley Chamber of Commerce, "Prizes are awarded in a drawing of all entries whether or not the murderer is correctly identified."
If its your plan to attend this frightful affair, make sure to book your stay early. Detectives come from all over Puget Sound to solve these murders, so hotels fill up fast!
Sourcing: Visit Langley, and Explore Whidbey Island.