STAGE Batavia to host whodunit mystery fundraiser at Blackberry Polo Field July 28
Everyone loves a good mystery, so the old saying goes. Now imagine a good mystery being the interactive thematic aspect to a fundraiser that benefits a local dramatic arts program. There’s a polo tournament taking place, too. And a raffle with a lot of great prizes to bid on.
S.T.A.G.E. (Supporting Theatre Arts for a Greater Education) Batavia is organizing the annual fundraiser polo tournament to raise money for theatrical productions at Batavia High School.
The polo tournament takes place on Sunday, July 28, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Blackberry Polo Field at 1S990 Old Bliss Road in Batavia. The gates open at 11 a.m. to allow patrons to come early and set up their tailgate picnic displays. The polo match will begin at 1 p.m.
The whodunit mystery is titled “Murder on Old Bliss Road,” and patrons can find clues to solve the mystery and win prizes along the way. There are more than 20 local businesses and organizations that have already donated raffle baskets to the fundraising event.
The raffle donors include Batavia Creamery, Sturdy Shelter Brewing, Daddio’s Diner, Settler’s Hill Golf Course, Geneva Winery, Batavia Fine Arts Centre, Comedy Vault, Batavia MainStreet, Big Bear Sunglasses, Fizzy Magic, All Dressed Up Costumes, BOJ-E-Bikes, WindMill Grille, A Thin Line Tattoo, Limestone Coffee & Tea, Paula’s Couture Consignment, Kane County Cougars, Riverfront Playhouse, Westside Improv, College Wingspan, Batavia Animal Clinic, Blank Creations, and Moonlight Theatre.
The diverse prizes include numerous gift certificates or tickets to be used at the donating venues, a purse valued at $150, bike rentals, sunglasses, a bath bomb, a coffin-shaped picnic basket with spooky items inside, two bottles of wine, three Batavia hometown blankets, and a round of 18 holes of golf including carts for a foursome.
The story of “Murder on Old Bliss Road” is that several wealthy families have come together in the Chicago area to broker a deal creating an exclusive equine center of excellence in the Fox Valley. But all week tensions have run high among old money, new money, and self-made power players as clashing visions fuel bitter disputes over status and influence.
During a charity polo match at the Blackberry Polo Club, esteemed patriarch Lionel Wellingford III is shockingly discovered dead under mysterious circumstances. Was Lionel murdered by a rival amid the battles over power and prestige related to the week’s business dealings? Or were more personal motivations, grudges, and jealousies at play within this elite set? You will mix and mingle with the uppermost crust, interview suspects and gather clues to uncover secrets, scandals, and deadly deceptions. Help decipher who killed Lionel Wellingford III … and why?
S.T.A.G.E. wants people who come to get in the mysterious spirit and dress for the theme. They encourage people to dress up like famous figures from fictional mysteries such as the characters of “Clue,” Sherlock Holmes, Columbo, Jessica Fletcher, Hercule Poirot, or famous film noir characters. Creativity is the key for that and for decorating the tailgate and feast.
Tickets are $40 per carload or $10 per person. Children under 12 are admitted for free.
In case of rain of July 28, the alternative rain date would be Sunday, Aug. 4. For additional information and tickets, go to www.bataviaartscouncil.org.
Come for the polo; stay for the mystery, decorations, raffle prizes, and fun!