Weekend Means Murder on Central Oregon Coast

Published 03/05/09

Weekend Means Murder on Central Oregon Coast

(Newport, Oregon) - Every spring, there’s a murder in Newport’s Nye Beach neighborhood. Then, hundreds show up over the weekend to help solve it, in what is Oregon’s largest interactive event.

On March 14 and 15, it’s the Nye Beach Murder Mystery Weekend, where the public is the detective. Participants visit various locations throughout the beachside village, interviewing local residents and merchants who are dressed up in costume – all of whom are suspects.

Prizes are then awarded to the winning sleuths.

This year’s production is called “Captain Pinkbeard's Last Pluck,” written by Oregon author Ram Papish, and includes an interesting time period paradox.

Locals get dressed up and play roles in this interactive sleuth festival that draws hundreds.The mystery takes place in the 1960's, though the murder occurs during the re-enactment of an 18th century pirate caper, so the participants can dress 60's-style or pull out their pirate garb. The actors themselves will be pirates.

Things begin on Saturday, March 14.

The event kicks off at 11 a.m. at Nye Cottage, 208 NW Coast Street, one block north or the Performing Arts Center. Participants purchase their Mystery Packets for $5, and may choose to work alone or in groups.

Participants will visit each clue location between 11a.m. and 5 p.m. to collect the mystery clues and to interrogate the suspects who will be available between noon and 5 p.m., following their schedules in the Mystery Packet.

Does this character look guilty?Mystery Solutions are due by 6 p.m., and are to be turned in at Nye Cottage, 208 NW Coast Street, one block north of the Performing Arts Center.

The second part of the weekend happens Sunday, March 15.

The "reveal" is at 1 p.m. at the Visual Arts Center, 777 NW Beach Drive, at the Nye Beach Turnaround. The location is the second floor meeting room, which may be accessed from the parking lot north of the Sylvia Beach Hotel or from the Downstairs Gallery off of Beach Drive and the Nye Beach Turn Around parking lot.

The suspects will be in attendance, and the Chief Investigator will reveal the particulars of the mystery and the “who dunnit” of this mystery.

Prizes are in the form of gift certificates from the participating Nye Beach Merchants. The winner will also receive a two-night stay for up to four people in Nye Beach, good through Mystery Weekend 2010.

One of the characters from a past Murder Weekend feigns sorrow.Oregon author Ram Papish says he has often found himself at a loss to name his profession: artist, biologist, tour guide, or writer. Each field of endeavor, however, has involved birds. At one point, he settled on an appropriate term: "Professional Bird Enthusiast.” Even when he is writing a mystery for Nye Beach Mystery Weekend he can't help include at least one fine-feathered friend in the plot.

Ram’s interest in birds has led to work on field biology projects in many locations: from Panama to Puerto Rico, Florida to Texas, Jamaica to the outer islands of Hawaii. His strongest interest over the years has been studying the wildlife of Alaska. He has worked in the state for 12 field seasons.

Ram has worked as an illustrator most of his life. He has recently begun to write and illustrate children’s books. Ram’s books tell a story, while educating the reader about wildlife and natural history topics.

He lives near Newport, Oregon with a goldfish, three chickens and one Chia pet.

For more information, call 541-270-2234.

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Arch Cape Property Services. Dozens of homes in that dreamy, rugged stretch between Cannon Beach and Manzanita known as Arch Cape. Oceanfront and ocean view , or just a short walk from the sea.
All homes are immaculate and smoke free; some pet friendly (with a fee). Some with broadband, indoor or outdoor hot tubs, fireplaces, decks, and fire pits or barbecues. Call about tempting winter specials that go until March (not valid holidays, however). http://www.archcaperentals.com/ 866-436-1607.

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