Big Al's Birthday

It was a night of bedlam and comedy as the Hastings County Historical Society hosted its annual banquet and celebration of local history on Saturday, October 27^th.   The Travelodge Hotel Ballroom was a sell-out for the comedy murder mystery dinner theatre, “Big Al Capone Celebrates his Birthday with Rumrunner Buddies from the Bay of Quinte”.  Professional actors from “It’s A Mystery To Me Productions” of Hamilton animated the evening.

As the evening began, one of Big Al’s gangster buddies, recently released from prison, showed up by surprise at the party.  However, he was electrocuted  as he took the microphone to make a speech.  For the rest of the evening, Big Al Capone and four of his gangsters were pursued by Detective Karumba, who bore a striking resemblance to TV’s Detective Colombo.  

Many of the audience dressed in 1920 costumes,
shady gangsters, sparkling molls, stylish
flappers delighted the audience and
added to the atmosphere of the 1920s.

The audience was fully drawn into the action, with loud “ohs” and “ahs” as the mobsters moved through the crowd avoiding the questions of the Detective.  As dessert was served, the decision on the guilty party was turned over to be voted on by the audience.  These votes were reviewed by Detective Karumba with hilarious results.  The final winner was . . .

The best male costume prize went
to John Lowry, a particularly sharp
underworld figure with his own
tommy gun in hand.

The best female costume went
to flapper, Judy Cleary.

 






 












  

The styles and times of the 1920s were also brought to life in a
display of historical photos and a video show of local scenes.

This evening was an important fund raising event for the Historical Society.  Twenty-five local businesses and individuals sponsored the event, raising funds for the new Community Archives.  

Door prizes were donated by several Prince Edward County wineries, brewery and cider maker.   Many thanks go to these generous local businesses. 

Story Donna Fano, pictures by various. . .

An album of pictures can be viewed at the link here. Thanks to Marney and Diane for all their work on this.