Saturday, Jan. 9 was a good day. That was the day that we kicked off The Big Read Spearfish. The weather forecast for the day was for single digits. A low turnout was a real issue. Luckily, even though it only got up to 15 degrees, the sun was shining and there was no wind! Read on for the answers to the scavenger hunt and winners (pictures too)!
Scavenger Hunt
The most popular event, we believe, was the Scavenger Hunt that took place in a dozen downtown locations. Participants started at either The Matthews Art Gallery or the library to get their mystery booklet that outlined the story behind “The Mystery of the Red Mustache.” Once folks got their booklet and instructions, they headed off to the participating businesses to find their clues.
The participating Spearfish businesses are:
- Grace Balloch Memorial Library, 625 N. Fifth St.
The Junk Drawer, 611 N. Main St.
Pink 629, 629 N. Main St.
Wild Rose, 616 N. Main St.
Kathleen’s Unique Boutique, 622 N. Main St.
Good Earth Natural Foods, 638 N. Main St.
Hudson and Main, 544 N. Main St.
The Jacket Zone, 616 N. Main St.
Leone’s Creamery, 722 N. Main St.
Reruns for Small Ones, 648 N. Main St.
Sole Perfection, 635 N. Main St.
Common Grounds, 111 E. Hudson St.
The children’s detective book, “The Malted Falcon,” was given out free to the first 50 groups/families that finished the hunt.
Winners
The winners of the Scavenger Hunt receive tickets to the upcoming community theatre play, “The Maltese Falcon, A Live Radio Play,” to be performed Feb. 18-21.
Drum roll, please….
- Amber, Aly, and Mason Wilde
- Courtney Wheeler family
- Jessica, Brandt, and Savannah Miles
All the above winners live in Spearfish.
Business Winner
As folks brought in their answers to the mystery, they were also asked to vote for the business that they thought participated the most. The Jacket Zone received the most votes. The store hid the clues throughout the store, making it even more fun.
“The Mystery of the Red Mustache” Answers
Who did it: Mr. Badmando – The Maintenance Man
Why did he do it: For revenge against the director for never casting him in a play
How did he do it: With a jet pack
Other Activities that Day
Each participating business had custom posters created by Gina Gibson’s graphic design class at Black Hills State University posted on their doors or windows. These helped guide our participants to the businesses that held clues to the mystery. Just below are some of the posters.
Meanwhile, at the Library…
The library staff participated in many ways. They had a Speakeasy Photo Booth open to the public. It was a blast. They took Polaroids of everyone, keeping one and giving one to the patron. It made for a fun afternoon.
The Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.
Sponsored by…
Thank you to the sponsors that help us bring art shows, plays, concerts, and other live entertainment acts to The Matthews. We couldn’t do it without you.
KEVN Black Hills Fox, Modern Woodmen, South Dakota Arts Council, Great Western Bank, Killian’s Tavern, Black Hills Pioneer, Century 21, Bay Leaf Cafe, Clark Printing, City of Spearfish, Wolff’s Plumbing & Heating, Inc., Lucky’s 13 Pub, Spearfish Holiday Inn, Zonta Club of Spearfish, Optimist Club of Spearfish, The Matthews’ family, The Kelley family — CLICK HERE to visit these sponsors’ business websites.
Would your business like to become a sponsor? CLICK HERE to learn more.
