Ladies’ Night Out will be back in Great Bend, and with an exciting Murder Mystery theme. This Thursday, Sept. 26, all participants will have the chance to explore the local businesses from 4-8 p.m. while solving a completely fictional crime, adding an exciting twist to the already popular event.

The Great Bend Tribune has a fun photo op ready for anyone who stops by its office at 2012 Forest Ave. from 4-8 p.m. on Thursday for the Murder Mystery promotion. Choose your “crime” and stand in front of a police suspect book-in background.

The Murder Mystery is all part of a Ladies Night Out shopping event sponsored by Explore Great Bend and the City of Great Bend.

For this year’s Murder Mystery, participants will be tasked with solving the fictional murder of City Administrator Logan Burns, who fell victim to foul play in one of the local businesses, at the hands of one of the city council members. The goal is to discover the “who,” “what,” and “where” of the crime by visiting participating businesses to collect evidence. Shoppers will check off clues as they collect them and fill out their playcards, which can be submitted to win prizes, including a $100 gift card to your favorite participating store.

When they think they have solved the mystery of who killed Logan Burns, at what business and with what weapon, participants can turn in the completed playcard by noon on Friday, Sept. 27, at City Hall or the City Hall drop box at 1209 Williams St. 

The idea of incorporating a Murder Mystery theme came about during a Retailer Meeting, where the goal was to find something fresh and fun to engage the community, Community Coordinator Christina Hayes explained. 

“We wanted to try something different,” Hayes said. “Murder Mystery was just a very different and fun theme. We’ve only done it one other time.”

This theme will only be used every other year to ensure it keeps its fresh and fun appeal.

Ladies’ Night Out events typically occur at least twice a year, but how often it happens depends on what the retailers decide at their annual planning meeting. The goal of this event is to bring exposure to the many businesses in Great Bend.

“This is a great opportunity to explore our awesome stores in town,” Hayes said, “because you have to hit all the stores to eliminate the evidence, it’s hard to stay and shop a long time. But I love popping in and out of our stores because it gives me a chance to see what they have so when I need a gift or fun idea.”

How to play

Participants in the Murder Mystery can pick up their playcards from any participating store and collect evidence at each location. For those unable to be open, game pieces will be available outside the store to ensure everyone can play. Completed game cards must be returned to City Hall or its drop box by noon on Friday, Sept. 27, to be eligible for the grand prize.

“Get ready for a thrilling evening at our Ladies’ Night Murder Mystery!” Hayes said, adding, “Gather your friends for a night of suspense, fun, and surprises as you work together to solve the mystery. Don’t miss out on the excitement ...  join us for a night to remember.”

With so many stores involved and such a unique theme, this year’s Ladies’ Night Out promises to be a memorable and exciting evening. This night will be full of drinks, laughs, delicious food, and lots of fun while putting your crime solving abilities to the test. Participating businesses will be open during the event, with some offering special promotions and discounts to entice shoppers to return after the game ends.

Additional reporting by Susan Thacker. Business Insight is a regular feature of the Great Bend Tribune, showcasing locally owned businesses and encouraging folks to shop local. Contact news@gbtribune.com for more information.