Parade of Lights Caper -- Messages from Chief Detective Hurly
A Message from Chief Detective Patrick Hurly
“Name’s Hurly. Been in the business longer than I care to admit — long enough to know when something smells off.
Last night, just days before the Parade of Lights, Santa’s sleigh vanished from a secured Parks and Rec storage facility. No signs of forced entry. No witnesses. Just a trail of frost and questions.
I’ve seen a lot in my time, but this one’s different. It’s cold out there — and I don’t just mean the weather.
That’s where you come in. I need fresh eyes. Sharp minds. People who notice what others overlook.
Starting November 27, clues will be scattered along the River’s Edge Trail. Your job: follow them. Piece together who did it, what they used, and where they stashed the sleigh.
It won’t be easy. But then again, nothing worth solving ever is.”
Trail opens for investigation November 27.
HALLOWEEN CLUE DROP
Filed (reluctantly) by Chief Detective Hurly
“I don’t scare easy. Seen too many things.
But last night? A figure in a trench coat… tiptoeing down the River’s Edge Trail… dragging something behind them.
I followed the sound — boots in leaves, sleigh bells in the wind.
When I got there? Just this.”
Pinned to a trail sign was a candy wrapper… tied with a ribbon from Santa’s sleigh.
It read:
“Even ghosts want a grand entrance. See you at the lights.”
Coincidence? Trick? Or clue?
Keep your flashlights ready, sleuths. The trail’s about to get colder...
Suspect File #1: Professor Trout
Spotted frequently near Giant Springs
Filed by Chief Detective Hurly
“I’ve questioned river folk before, but none quite like this one.
Professor Trout — self-proclaimed scholar of the Missouri. Claims to ‘speak fish’ and spends more time mumbling at springwater than answering questions straight. Carries journals thicker than my patience and keeps insisting there’s a ‘hidden current’ that only he can see.
Educated? Sure. Eccentric? Absolutely.
But harmless? I’m not so sure.”
Why He’s a Suspect:
Was seen near the Parks & Rec storage facility just before the sleigh vanished
Claims he was “studying the magnetic pull of the sleigh bells” — whatever that means
One staffer overheard him muttering: “The sleigh disrupts the balance of the spring’s energy…”
Is he just a harmless oddball… or hiding something under those waders?
Follow for more suspect reveals and stay sharp, detectives — we’ve got a caper to crack.
Location Report: Civic Center
Filed by Chief Detective Hurly
“By day, the Civic Center is all holiday concerts and council meetings. But by night? It’s a different story.
I stopped by after hours — place was locked up tight, but lights were on backstage.
A shadow moved behind the curtains. I waited. Nothing.
Funny thing is… this building just keeps showing up in interviews.
One suspect calls it her ‘second home.’
Another? He’s been insisting on holding press events here all week. Coincidence? I don’t believe in those.”
Why It’s Suspicious:
Mayor Meadowlark was spotted alone in the council chambers the night before the sleigh vanished
Amara Volt, the symphony conductor, had a last-minute “rehearsal” that no staff can confirm
A trail of sleigh bell glitter was found just outside the loading dock — and no one’s owning up to it
They say the Civic Center is the heart of the city. I’m starting to think it’s also hiding something.
Suspect File #2: Amora Volt
Seen exiting the Civic Center loading dock after hours
Filed by Chief Detective Hurly
“You don’t get to the podium without control. And Amara Volt? She’s all sharp lines, raised brows, and precise timing. The kind of person who doesn’t miss a beat — or forget a grudge.
As conductor and music director of the Great Falls Symphony, she’s used to calling the shots. But lately? She’s been clashing with Parks & Rec over venue priorities.
Beautiful sleigh display getting more attention than her winter concert? Let’s just say… it struck a sour note.”
Why She’s a Suspect:
Was heard arguing with Park Director Pat Parker the day before the sleigh went missing
A baton — identical to hers — was found near the storage entrance
Her Civic Center key card was used after hours, though she insists she was “rehearsing alone”
Always in control. But maybe this time… she conducted more than just a symphony.
Suspect File #3: Captain Cascade
Last seen near the Gibson Band shell, mid-rant
Filed by Chief Detective Hurly
“Loud. Proud. Likes to shout about trout. Captain Cascade is more local legend than legal name — and he’s not shy about reminding you.
Claims he’s descended from ‘a long line of river guardians,’ though no records back that up. He tried to petition the city to rename the Missouri after him… twice.
Always carries a fly rod, always looking for a stage, and lately? He’s been grumbling that this year’s Parade of Lights wasn’t giving him ‘his rightful float.’”
Why He’s a Suspect:
Made a public scene demanding to lead the parade, claiming, “Without me, it’s just blinking lights.”
Was spotted near Parks storage the night before the sleigh disappeared
Left a soggy boot print next to a trail of sled marks — he says it was from “ice fishing practice”
Harmless hometown character? Or hiding more than just tall tales under that river-worn coat?
Location Report: Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center
Filed by Chief Detective Hurly
“The Interpretive Center is supposed to teach history — not repeat it.
I visited the place last night. Empty, locked, quiet… too quiet.
But the ranger’s logbook had fresh entries — someone had been inside. Someone who didn’t sign out.
There was a map on the visitor’s desk, circled in red ink.
A route along the River’s Edge Trail.
One suspect has been very interested in connecting past and present. Maybe a little too interested.”
Why It’s Suspicious:
Riley York, intern and dual major in history and conservation, has access to off-hours archives
Trail maps from the center went missing the day the sleigh disappeared
A conductor baton — like one on display in their expedition music exhibit — was recently replaced… but the staff didn’t make the switch
Old stories, new footprints…
The past might just be pointing to our present problem.
Location Report #3: Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art (aka The Square)
Filed by Chief Detective Hurly
“Art museums are supposed to be peaceful — quiet halls, warm lighting, the smell of varnish and ambition.
But last Tuesday, the night guard heard clay scraping concrete near the back loading dock.
When he went to check? Just a door slightly ajar and a strange trail of reddish dust… leading away from the museum. Toward Parks storage.
I’ve got one suspect who teaches here. Says he works late. Says he uses natural materials. Says a lot, actually.”
Why it’s Suspicious:
Russell Clay has a studio on-site and access after hours
A clay spatula — traced to one of his workshops — was found near the sleigh route
Security footage shows a wheeled cart being rolled out of the museum side entrance just before midnight — the same model missing from Parks inventory
The Square may be full of masterpieces… but this one’s starting to look like a cover-up.
Suspect File #4: Dante “Huck” Vega
Last seen outside City Hall — voice raised, apron on
Filed by Chief Detective Hurly
“Chefs usually serve heat in the kitchen — but Dante Vega brings the fire everywhere he goes. Locals know him as ‘Huck’ — short for huckleberry, long story.
Runs Vega’s Table downtown. Food’s incredible. Temper? Less so. He’s known for reinventing Montana cuisine and storming out of council meetings when things don’t go his way.
And let’s just say, losing the Parks & Rec holiday catering contract didn’t go down easy.”
Why He’s a Suspect:
Publicly confronted Park Director Pat Parker days before the sleigh disappeared
Was overheard saying, “If they want fake cheer, they can fake a sleigh too.”
A chef’s knife matching his kitchen set was found behind the storage shed — “missing” from his roll
Brilliant cook, community favorite — but could a bruised ego have pushed him to carve out a little revenge?
Keep following, detectives. Not all motives are on the menu.
Suspect File #5: Mayor Meadowlark
Always shaking hands — and occasionally stirring the pot
Filed by Chief Detective Hurly
“They say all politics is local — and Mayor Meadowlark keeps it very local. Tree lightings, trail cleanups, parade speeches — he’s everywhere the cameras are.
A master of the holiday photo op, a lover of bold ideas, and a man who insists on picking the parade playlist himself. Charming? Sure. But I’ve been around long enough to know charm can be a smokescreen.
He wanted this year’s sleigh display to be the ‘most magical in city history.’ Now the sleigh’s gone… and the magic? Missing too.”
Why He’s a Suspect:
Personally pushed for last-minute changes to the sleigh’s appearance, frustrating staff
Was seen at the storage site after hours for a “surprise inspection” — no one else was notified
When asked about the missing sleigh, he quipped: “Maybe Santa upgraded. Ever think of that?”
All smiles and scarves on the surface… but maybe Mayor Meadowlark’s hiding more than a re-election slogan.
Keep following the trail, detectives — the next suspect might be closer than you think.
Location Report #4: Gibson Park Band Shell
Filed by Chief Detective Hurly
“The Gibson Band shell usually echoes with music and mic checks — not mystery.
But when I swung by yesterday, I found broken holly branches, fresh footprints, and one lonely sleigh bell buried in the grass behind the stage.
Locals say they saw a bundled-up figure pacing near the platform after dark. Said they were muttering about ‘ruined traditions’ and ‘floral invasions.’
I’ve got two suspects with strong ties to this place — and neither of them have alibis that hold water.”
Why it’s Suspicious:
Lila Bitterroot tends the surrounding gardens and recently clashed with Parks staff about “decorating over nature”
Captain Cascade once tried to hold a one-man holiday concert here — still bitter he didn’t get a float
A pair of rusted garden shears was recovered under the stage — no clear fingerprints, just dirt
It may be the centerpiece of Gibson Park… but something here is way off-key.
Suspect File #6: Lila Bitterroot
Always found in Gibson Park — or knee-deep in native plants
Filed by Chief Detective Hurly
“Lila Bitterroot looks like the type who talks to flowers — and they probably talk back.
She’s Gibson Park’s head gardener, raised on wildflower lore and the wisdom of soil. Quiet? Yes. But don’t mistake quiet for soft. I’ve seen gentler hands dig graves — and sharper eyes spot weeds of all kinds.
Lately, Lila’s been fighting with Parks & Rec over ‘beautification’ plans that involve plastic plants and concrete beds. You want to rile a gardener? Start paving her pollinators.”
Why She’s a Suspect:
Publicly protested a Parks project that would’ve replaced her native beds for a sleigh photo station
A pair of garden shears — just like hers — was found near the sleigh’s last known location
Witnesses say she was seen “rearranging the landscape” around the storage area the morning it disappeared
Soothing voice, dirt under her nails… and maybe a motive rooted in principle.
More suspects coming soon. Keep your minds sharp, sleuths — even the softest petals can hide thorns.
Location Report #5: Giant Springs State Park
Filed by Chief Detective Hurly
“Giant Springs is supposed to be pristine — calm, clean, and quiet.
But something felt off when I visited.
A muddy trail of boot prints led down toward the fish hatchery. One set. Big stride.
Park staff found a tangled string of sleigh bells caught on a fence post near the visitor overlook.
No wind that night. No one on the schedule. And yet… someone had been there.”
Why it’s Suspicious:
Professor Trout was seen at the springs earlier than usual — said he was “checking on the current”
A fly rod was found tucked in the bushes — not logged with the park’s lost and found
Local hikers reported hearing sleigh bells before dawn… and splashing
It’s one of Montana’s crown jewels — but even the clearest spring can conceal a secret.
Suspect File #7: Russell Clay
Teaches pottery at Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art
Filed by Chief Detective Hurly
“Russell Clay doesn’t just sculpt Montana’s landscape — he wears it. Clay under his nails, smudges on his cheek, boots stained with river soil.
Acclaimed potter. Big name at the Archie Bray Foundation. Locals love him — and so do galleries from here to Seattle.
But greatness stirs jealousy, and not all of his peers are fans. Rumors swirl about ‘proprietary blends,’ shady land use, and clay that might not be as organic as he claims.”
Why He’s a Suspect:
Has a key to the museum loading bay next door to Parks storage
Admitted to “borrowing” a cart from the sleigh staging area for a project
A clay spatula — smeared with red paint — was found near the sleigh tracks
Grounded, talented, and a little too quiet when pressed. Artists see the world differently — but did this one reshape a crime scene?
Keep tracking, detectives. The final file’s just ahead.
CASE UPDATE – From the Desk of Chief Detective Hurly
We’ve narrowed the search.
After reviewing trail cam footage, city maintenance logs, and a very suspicious trail of glitter, we now believe the sleigh went missing somewhere between the Caboose Trailhead and Giant Springs Road along the River’s Edge Trail.
That’s your investigation zone, detectives.
All official clues for the Parade of Lights Caper will be found along that stretch starting November 27.
Bundle up, stay sharp, and don’t trust anyone wearing too much tinsel.
– Chief Hurly
Suspect File #8: Riley York
Intern at the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center
Filed by Chief Detective Hurly
“Fresh face, sharp mind. Riley York is the kind of intern who actually likes taking notes. Dual major — history and conservation. Parents from two worlds: Air Force father, Blackfeet mother. Says Montana’s in his blood.
He’s the future of park stewardship, sure… but the sleigh isn’t in the future. It’s missing now.
And Riley? He was eager — too eager — to help with the holiday displays. Even volunteered to oversee inventory on a night no one remembers assigning him.”
Why He’s a Suspect:
Last known person to check the sleigh storage log
Was found studying historic maps of the trail — but no one asked him to
A trail guide — marked with symbols in his handwriting — was recovered from behind the Civic Center
Honest student or overzealous trail sleuth who got too caught up in a holiday mystery?
You’ve got all the files, detectives. Now it’s up to you to follow the clues, trust your instincts… and solve the case.
Location Report #6: Overlook Park
Filed by Chief Detective Hurly
“Overlook Park usually smells like pine and river mist.
Yesterday? It smelled like roasted chilies and tension.
A Parks employee on morning cleanup duty reported a strange food truck parked just off the overlook loop trail — motor off, interior empty, tire tracks still fresh.
A crumpled napkin from Vega’s Table was found under a nearby bench… smeared with huckleberry mole.”
Why it’s Suspicious:
Dante Vega catered a private pop-up at Overlook Park two nights before the sleigh vanished — never filed a permit
Tire treads at the scene match a van registered to his restaurant
A trail map with the overlook circled in kitchen grease was recovered from his glove box
Beautiful views… spicy secrets.
Someone’s cooking more than empanadas in this town.
Official Dispatch from Chief Detective Hurly
Alright, sleuths — the clock is ticking.
The Parade of Lights Caper begins TOMORROW, and the trail is about to get suspicious. Clues will be scattered between the Caboose Trailhead and Giant Springs Road, and I need sharp eyes and sharper minds on the case.
Before you head out, make sure you’ve got your most important tool: Your Clue Tracker.
Rule out the suspects
Eliminate the wrong locations
Cross off the innocent evidence
Only one of each is guilty — and it’s up to you to find the truth before the sleigh stays missing for good.
Stay sharp, stay bundled, and stay off the naughty list.
– Chief Hurly
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Contact Information
1700 River Drive North
P.O. Box 5021
Great Falls, Montana 59403
(406) 771-1265
