Railway riddle

Frontiersman

Was it murder, or was it suicide? And if it was murder, who did it?

Those are just a few of the questions that will be answered on the Alaska Railroad Saturday as part of the Wasilla Chamber of Commerce's Murder on the Alaska Railroad event, which for eight years has provided to be a highlight of the fall entertainment schedule.

The murder mystery is filled with intrigue, adventure and mystery. If you want answers, don't go to organizers, however - they are just as in the dark as the passengers.

&#8220We help choose the story, but when it comes to the actual event, we have no idea what is going to happen,” said Teresa Blume of the Wasilla Chamber of Commerce. &#8220Even the actors aren't told the entire story until right before it happens.”

This year, the train is allegedly on its way to the 47th annual Soap Opera Awards. For the last 10 years, Darling has been nominated, yet she has never won.

&#8220She's the Susan Lucci of the story,” Blume said. &#8220There's a rival male actor who is also nominated for all the awards, though, and a blonde bombshell who are also part of the story.”

From there, the writers and actors of Cafe Sleuth take over, weaving an intricate story for the passengers on the train. The company puts together interactive mysteries and has worked with the chamber several times, Blume said.

Murder on the Alaska Railroad has been a successful fund-raiser for the chamber for seven years. Passengers are encouraged to dress in character - this year, the theme is obviously soap operas - and they can get involved in the story as they want.

&#8220We've got it set up so that people can be as mild-mannered or as wild as they want to be,” Blume said.

Tickets for the event are $125 per person ($95 for military), which includes the scenic trip to Spencer Glacier, just past Portage, and back. There are several cars set up, including the Daytime Diva Lounge and the General Hospital car. No matter where people are sitting in the car, they'll get a chance to hear the story and get involved.

&#8220There are two teams of actors, and they both start at one of the train and work toward the middle,” Blume explained. &#8220We pass out ‘whodunit' cards so people can try to figure it out.”

A silent auction is also offered during the trip. This year, some of the events include lunch with the new governor, flightseeing tours, batting practice with the Mat-Su Miners, skating time with the Alaska Avalanche and other unique items.

&#8220We have a lot of the out-of-the-box items that people will be interested in,” Blume said. &#8220It's a great silent auction this year.”

Blume said a few tickets were remaining as of Wednesday afternoon, but she expects them to go quick.

&#8220People are very excited about. Personally, it's meaningful when we hear people who say, ‘I saw your commercial, it's 11 o'clock at night and I know you aren't there, but I've always wanted to do it,'” Blume said. &#8220It's something for the entire community, not just the chamber members.”

Check-in time is at 8 a.m. Saturday, and the Rib Shack will be at the Wasilla Depot with espresso, hot chocolate and breakfast foods. Boarding begins at 8:30 a.m.

For more information, including ticket availability, interested people can call the Wasilla Chamber of Commerce at 376-1299.