Irmo SC Library Raises Funds Through Intriguing Murder Mystery Dinner Event

A Trip Down Vaudeville Lane

In the charming town of Irmo, South Carolina, the local library, thrust into the spotlight, is taking an ingenious approach to fundraising. Friends of the Irmo Branch Library are preparing to host their annual Murder Mystery Dinner event on August 2, bringing a piece of diverse vaudeville history directly into present day.

The story that will unfold over the course of the evening is set in the grandeur of The Grand, a venue that shares a rich past with Columbia’s vaudevillian history. Dating back to 1910, it was a centerpiece of the community, a beloved theatrical hub that hosted diverse acts, including the breathtaking performances of Zam Zacks, a skillful knife-throwing act.

Revisiting History with a Twist

The upcoming murder mystery play, serendipitously titled “Murder on Main Street,” is a creation of Licia Jackson, who derived inspiration from the real-life history. The play revolves around the murder of a knife thrower’s assistant, engaging attendees in a thrilling narrative populated with a metric of characters reminiscent of the early 20th Century Columbia.

Among the diverse cast of characters are Maude O’Riley, a domineering madame of a local brothel, state Senator Hampton Huger, an ambitious politician with his eyes on the governor’s mansion, and the conscientious Rev. Obadiah Wright, a pastor with a mission to reform the forgotten women of Columbia.

Charitable Intentions, Engaging Execution

The murder mystery dinner is more than an exercise in time travel; it is an event aimed at raising funds for the Irmo Branch Library, with an objective to create an outdoor programming space. As Irmo continues to grow, so does the need to expand the library’s offerings, which is currently stretched thin due to a surge in foot traffic at its 6251 St. Andrews Road address. The Friends of the Irmo Branch Library is determined to meet the demand with this innovative approach.

Interactively Immersive Experience

The evening event promises to be an interactive experience with dinner participants given the opportunity to interrogate the murder suspects. Post-interrogation, guests can voice their verdict on who they believe the possible killer might be. Among those who correctly solve the mystery, a raffle draw will be held to present exciting door prizes.

A Salute to the Past, A Commitment to the Future

The Murder Mystery Dinner, set to unfold at The River Center at Saluda Shoals Park from 6 pm to 9:30 pm on August 3, is a testament to the collective commitment of the Friends of the Irmo Branch library, the local community, and library regulars at large. Those interested are welcomed to join and more information on ticket purchases is available at the Irmo Branch Library and online.

Additionally, the event encourages a costume contest with a 1910’s turn-of-the-century dress code, bringing yet another layer of immersion to an exciting evening filled with intrigue, history, community engagement and a shared goal of fostering and expanding the love for knowledge and reading in Irmo.