Joe Manchin III, Governor
Frank Jezioro, Director

News Release : March 14, 2008

Where There’s a Will, There’s a Wake – Murder Mystery Weekend At Blackwater Falls State Park March 28-30

DAVIS, W.Va. – It’s a murder mystery. But not just an evening and dinner, but a full weekend of events where the audience participation ultimately solves the murder mystery.

The Full House Players presents “Where There’s a Will, There’s a Wake” at Blackwater Falls State Park March 28-30. The weekend is an interactive theater where the cast unfolds the demise of event and activities. “As I understand it, one Eleanor Holloway’s last will and testament is going to be read. It’s been a year since her passing and this weekend marks the occasion of pre-arranged gathering as per instructions,” according to Rob Gilligan Blackwater Falls Superintendent. “The weekend progresses and a lot of tension among the Holloway family members builds up. She was an affluent lady and there are some family members who aren’t real happy with the contents of will. The rest is a mystery to me.” Gilligan’s comments are some of the information found on Blackwater Falls Web site, www.blackwaterfalls.com special events page.

The mystery weekend features a Wine and Cheese Welcome Reception March 28 and includes the opportunity to meet and greet the Holloway family and guests. Events and activities are scheduled throughout the weekend and highlighted with a costume dance on Saturday night, March 29. The Full House Players cast will be in character throughout the weekend.

The six meals are an important part of the weekend. “The meals are served in Blackwater’s restaurant and include an act of the murder mystery,” says Pat Hissom, park programmer/naturalist. “Most murder mystery events are one meal and the play; this event is a dinner theater at every meal. The Saturday night dance is a costume party. People attending this weekend mystery don’t have to wear a costume, but there are some great prizes to be awarded by the costume judges. “

The Mystery unfolds in acts throughout the weekend, but the cast promises some free time to enjoy the indoor pool, fitness center or an outdoor walk to enjoy some spring weather.

The grand finale of any murder mystery event is the “who done it.” Grand prizes for solving the Murder Mystery include two night’s lodging for two at Blackwater Falls and additional prizes of gift shop certificates from $10 to $50 dollars.
The weekend package includes two night’s lodging on March 28 and 29, Friday dinner, Friday wine and cheese reception, non-alcoholic beverages included; Saturday breakfast, lunch and dinner; Saturday dance; Sunday breakfast; all Murder Mystery events; all prizes involved in mystery solving; and all taxes and gratuities. The package cost is $273.60 per person based on double occupancy.

Reservations are required. A registration form is online on Blackwater Falls special events Web page to download and complete or call the lodge direct at (304) 259-5216

Blackwater Falls State Park is nestled high in the Allegheny Mountains near Davis WV. It is accessible from the south by taking U.S. Route 33 t Harman, WV then WV Route 32 to Davis. From the north, Take U.S. Route 219 to Thomas, WV then take WV Route 32 to Davis. For more information about special events at all state parks and forests are listed online at www.wvstateparks.com or call 800 CALL WVA.

**DNR**