A night of intrigue, elegance and 1920s flair is coming to Arborg as the Arborg & District Multicultural Heritage Village prepares to host a Great Gatsby-themed murder mystery dinner later this spring.
The event, scheduled for Saturday, April 18 at the Arborg-Bifrost Community Hall, promises an immersive evening of dinner theatre, dancing and audience participation, all set against the glamour of the Jazz Age.
For more than 15 years, the Heritage Village’s annual dinner theatre and dance has been one of its most popular fundraisers, evolving over time to keep the experience fresh for attendees.
“In the early years, we proudly wrote, directed and produced our own plays, showcasing local talent and bringing the community together in a very special way,” said organizer Pat Eyolfson. “This year, we were excited to introduce something new — a Great Gatsby-themed murder mystery woven into the evening.”
Eyolfson said the Roaring ’20s theme brings a sense of glamour and intrigue, while encouraging guests to become part of the experience.
“It felt like the perfect way to invite guests to not just attend but truly become part of the experience,” she said. “The response has been incredibly positive, and people are genuinely excited to step into character and join us for a night of mystery, music and celebration.”
Guests are encouraged to embrace the theme with period attire, though it is not required, and can expect a fully interactive evening.
“Guests will be invited to choose a side — the North or the South — and everyone will have a role to play throughout the night,” Eyolfson said. “As the evening unfolds, characters will move through the room revealing clues, secrets and twists.”
Participants will follow along using clue sheets at their tables, working together to solve the mystery.
“What makes this event especially unique is that it’s not just a performance — it’s an experience,” she said. “The combination of a Great Gatsby atmosphere, live interaction and community participation creates a fun, engaging night full of laughter, suspense and connection.”
Doors open at 5 p.m., with the murder mystery beginning at 6 p.m. and supper to follow at 7 p.m.
Guests will be served a catered meal prepared by Triple Bloom Catering & Co., featuring carved roast beef with all the trimmings. The evening will also include the Heritage Village’s popular dessert room, offering a wide assortment of decadent treats.
“One of the highlights of the evening will be our famous dessert room — a space filled with an incredible assortment of ‘sinful’ desserts that guests look forward to year after year,” Eyolfson said.
The hall will be transformed with Gatsby-inspired décor, and the evening will also feature silent and rainbow auctions, adding to the night’s entertainment and fundraising efforts.
In addition to the dinner and show, attendees will have the opportunity to take part in a raffle for a high-value prize — a $3,000 diamond “Gatsby Dazzling Necklace,” featuring a baguette and round diamond arrangement in a twisted curve design set in 10K white gold.
Raffle tickets will be available for purchase during the event, with seven finalists selected and called forward to each choose a key, with only one unlocking the prize.
“It’s always a thrilling moment filled with anticipation and excitement,” Eyolfson said.
The evening will wrap up with live music and dancing beginning around 8 p.m., with mystery clues continuing between sets.
Proceeds from the event will support ongoing programming and preservation efforts at the Heritage Village.
“Proceeds from this event go directly back into the heart of the Village — helping us care for and preserve the beautiful historic buildings and spaces that mean so much to our community,” Eyolfson said. “It also allows us to hire four summer students, which is something we are especially proud of.”
Tickets are $80 and are available at Arborg Pharmacy, by calling 1-204-671-0203 or by e-transfer to ADMHV4007@gmail.com.
Organizers encourage residents from across the Interlake and beyond to attend, dress up if they wish and enjoy a night of mystery, music and community spirit.
“Every ticket purchased and every bit of support truly makes a difference,”Eyolfson said. “It helps us continue building something meaningful — a place where history, community and connection come together for generations to enjoy.”
