Come Join a Party to Raise Funds for Those with Special Needs

by Ryan Honl

An event is coming to Roseau put together by the Roseau County Museum and Historical Society that anyone can attend. Murder at the Masquerade: A Dinner Theater Fundraiser will take place on September 14 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Gene's Bar & Grill in Roseau.

Brit Dahl, the museum curator, and staff put the show together.

Asking Brit how it came about she said, "It will be a fun time for people to come together. They can dress up as they'd like. There was a murder mystery theater here about 15 years ago but not run by the museum. I've always had it in the back of my mind to do one. I don't know who did that last one but I did attend. I thought it would be fun to do something like that. I said, you know what, this is the year we can do it. It's for more programming and fundraising for the museum."

What is a murder masquerade you ask? It's a challenge where you must unmask the killer, with a mystery hiding behind every mask. You must figure out who is guilty, bring the criminal to justice, and save the party!

As is key to any fun party the event starts out with a 5:30 p.m. cocktail. As the night continues, guests will enjoy a three-course dinner featuring salad, pork, potato, veggies, a dinner roll, and dessert.

"Dressing for the part" is optional but recommended for photo opportunities and winning prizes.

Professional actors from The Murder Mystery Co. as seen on ABC's Shark Tank will lead the experience, filled with twists and turns. You'll have the chance to crack the case!

It's going to be a really fun evening, but the most important part of it is that the money for the tickets will go directly to the museum's programs and fundraising for those with special needs.

Brit shared those goals. "We're doing this as a fall fundraiser for the museum," Brit said. "For this fundraiser all funds will go toward displays in the museum and we're also looking at getting more active exhibits for those with special needs like headphones for children that come in for museum tours. I've seen special needs kids come in here and get distracted and not get much of the tour because there's just so much going on. We're trying to get that inclusion for those with special needs. Someone came in once that was colorblind and said, 'we can't see that poster that you have.' I said gosh a person doesn't even think of that you know. That's what we're raising funds for to have some more interaction among those with special needs."

Asking Brit if she had any final words to plug the dinner she said, "they just shouldn't miss it!"

The different Acts of the program will run with the meal. At 6:30 p.m. after the cocktail hour will come Act I with the first course of the meal. At 7:15 p.m. will come Act II with the main course. 8 p.m. will be the third act with dessert. 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. will be for awards and raffle winners and, lastly a mix & mingle.

The cost of the dinner and program has three levels to choose from. The first option is a general admission ticket for $50 per seat. The Golden Round Table ticket option is for $60 which gets you closer to the main stage. Lastly, there is a $100 option for those that stay at the AmericInn or Norland Inn that gives you $60 off the cost of your stay.

To get more information see the Programs & Events tab on the museum's website at http://www.roseauhistoricalsociety.com