100 participants try to solve murder mystery at Medina set in 1950s

Photo by Renee Hemby: Erica Wanecski played the part of the musician Amanda Lynn for Medina Area Partnership’s Murder and Mocktails on Saturday. She serves up a drink at Medina Railroad Museum.

MEDINA – Medina Area Partnership’s annual murder mystery event, Murder and Mocktails, was an apparent hit – with the 13 businesses who participated and the more than 100 participants who tried to guess the guilty villain.

Photos courtesy of Ann Fisher-Bale: Jessica George and Nick Fitzak ham it up in front of a police-themed backdrop at the Medina Senior Center, where all attendees registered for Murder and Mocktails.

“It was a very well-organized event, from registration at the Senior Center and throughout,” said Cora Goyette of Medina, who decided to buy a ticket at the last minute. “There was eager participation among the ‘detectives’ with a sense of fun and community spirit. I was surprised how many non-Medina residents there were. The actors played their roles passionately, especially Georgia (Thomas) and Kathy Blackburn. It was great fun. Kudos to MAP.”

This was MAP’s fourth annual murder mystery event, in which participants checked in at the Medina Senior Center, where they received an investigator’s booklet and a goodie bag containing era-specific treats, said Ann Fisher-Bale, organizer of the event.

“Our 13 participating businesses did a great job embracing their characters and dressing for their ’50s era parts,” Fisher-Bale said. “For the first time, we offered mocktails and they were a big hit with attendees. Many commented they appreciated having the opportunity for a fun, non-alcoholic-related event. For some attendees, this event was an introduction to Medina and they said they had an enjoyable afternoon visiting our shops along the way.”

There was also an opportunity for a 1950s-themed photo at Alexandra Peracciny Photography, which attendees could take home with them.

Jessica George of Albion was among the participants with Nick Fitzak.

“The event provided a great opportunity to spend a day checking out local businesses and interacting with friends in the community,” George said. “We ultimately didn’t solve the crime, but it was so much fun trying to!”

Those who correctly guessed the murderer had their names put in a drawing for a prize pack valued at $200. Winner was Richard Lama of Basom.

And who murdered classmate May O’Ryll Powers? It was none other than the class jock, Jordan Michaels, portrayed by Brian Miller from Dream Vacations.

Brian Miller from Dream Vacations portrayed the class jock at the Medina Theater in Saturday’s murder mystery.