Well, as much fun as was had at the Hitchcock pancake supper fundraiser a week or so ago, even more was made during the mystery theater fundraiser Friday at the Noble House.
As is chronicled in Joe Bryan’s Ferguson Features this week, the idea came from Alvin and Anita (mostly Anita) Woodruff as a way to raise money for the Ferguson Home Museum.
But it was more than that and more than a way to have fun, or something to do on a Friday night. It was even more than a great meal, although it was awesome.
It was a showcase, but of more than the talent in Watonga’s little theater group.
It was a show of what community organizations can do when they put their heads together, work collaboratively and refuse to be put off.
WCT’s own Amy Adams, an incredibly talented lady, took the little bit of research on Watonga history we provided her and plugged it in to a previously written mystery theater script. She really hit the ball out of the park and added appropriate songs and audience participation in just the right places.
Meanwhile, she, Karen Gilliland and a host of other residents hammed it up as needed as dance hall girls, outlaws, telegraph operators and town drunks.
Teresa France kept the event on everyone’s radar until the tickets were sold out. Shootout at Bill’s Boarding House played to a packed house.
It made for a hysterical evening. And the audience was great, playing along and taking part as needed, even with plastic pistols poked in their craws.
The funds will go toward the activities and work going on at the Ferguson Home.
But before the dishes were even done, there was talk of doing it again, although everyone involved agreed it wouldn’t be back-to-back events.
So, who will be the next beneficiary? The theater? They are working on a new façade. Or maybe the Watonga Cat Foundation? There is always a need to spay and neuter more felines.
The point is there is no stopping people who are determined to make a difference and have a goal in sight.
Watonga is made up of those people. They work in the shops, offices and schools. They are part of city government or running for office. They work at the courthouse. They run businesses either in person or online.
The belief in the town and the determination of the citizens are starting to pay benefits. The drinking water project is on track to finish in July. The county jail is almost ready to open. Before long the sewer treatment plant will have its upgrade completed and be able to accommodate more businesses and households. The airport work is ongoing and before this decade is out, we’ll have a shiny new terminal.
When we work together, we can accomplish anything we desire. If you don’t believe me, ask the victim of the shootout at Bill’s Boarding House.