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?
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1700 River Drive North
P.O. Box 5021
Great Falls, Montana 59403
(406) 771-1265
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