On August 9th, Second Street was buzzing with mystery, mischief, and more than a few laughs as Chillicothe Players Theatre presented “Murder on Second Street: Who Killed the Mayor?” With the help of 13 amazing local businesses, downtown was transformed into a crime scene where every shop held a clue — and every shop owner was a suspect.

Participating businesses included Stems by Allison, ODG, Cranberry Creek, Little Shop of Hoarders, Triple Dipple, Nat’s Place, Molly’s Pizzeria, The Hair Company, High Five Apparel, Covered Wagon Crafts, Odie’s, Gilmore’s Sports Bar, and The Tin Top. Each one not only stepped into character but also donated items for the fabulous prize baskets.

From Patsy Pincushion to Toni Pepperoni, Tammy Two Pour, and Clarissa Trinket, the suspects were colorful, quirky, and full of secrets. Detectives had to stop into every shop to gather clues about the mysterious death of the mayor, whose “body” was discovered in front of City Hall. The cause of death? Poisoning!

At the end of the night, participants turned in their accusation forms. Two sharp-eyed detectives cracked the case correctly and got their pick of the prize baskets. There was a drawing for all who participated.

The Chillicothe Players Theatre sends a huge thank you to all the incredible businesses that played along and made this event possible. And of course, special thanks to Mayor Hughes — who gamely laid down on the sidewalk so the crime scene chalk outline could be drawn. Don’t worry, the mayor later popped back up to reassure everyone he was very much alive and well!