LeaderOne Financial is proud to have the Rhum Academy crew in the house as our musical guests this evening! We are also a participant in the  Clue-inspired Downtown Murder Mystery! Collect clues of suspects and weapons at various downtown locations. When you stop by, be sure to enter to win a Downtown Dining Gift Certificate good at several downtown locations!

Help Detective Friday solve this mystery:

“Tonight, the sounds of a man screaming pierced the vibrant First Friday celebration. The joyous merriment throughout downtown screeched to a halt as people were drawn to the commotion at the North-East corner of the Courthouse Square, where the lifeless body of Joe Schmoe was found bloodied and bruised. Citizens now look upon one another with suspicion. Who could the killer be? Did “The Bartender” slip Joe a tainted spirit? Maybe “The Athlete” went bat crazy on poor Joe. Or did “The Baker” “roll out” his frustrations on Joe with a rolling pin? Tonight, Detective Friday needs your help in solving this murder mystery!”

How to Play:

Visit participating businesses (noted by a magnifying glass on the map) and look for posted pictures of clues (suspects and/or weapons). When a clue is found, cross it off the list below. Any clues you find will NOT be involved in the murder. When all locations have been visited, or when only one suspect and one weapon are left uncrossed below, you’ve solved the mystery!
Circle the suspect and weapon involved in the murder. Then, turn in your page with your email address by 8:20pm at the Information Mailbox (corner of Main St & Walnut St) for a chance to win a $250 Downtown Gift Basket. With your help, the mystery will be solved and reported after 8:30pm on Facebook at First Friday Kokomo and at FirstFridayKokomo.com.

What could you win?

Besides a fun night out collecting clues? How about a downtown gift basket totaling over $250!!

There will also be the usual great food/drink, freebies, art, live music and pleasant surprises that await you EVERY First Friday!

Some other great offerings tonight include:

Gabettas (503 N. Buckeye) is offering a free order of waffle fries with gravy with every food purchase. Yum!

Kokomo Howard County Public Library (116 N. Main) is having its own detective hunt too! Guests will search for Howard, the library’s teddy bear mascot. All successful detectives will get free candy, plus kids 0-9 will be entered to win a 3 ft tall teddy bear and book and kids 10+ will be entered to win a TARDIS Smart Safe or travel blanket. They’ll also have some great information on area science programs, too!

Ivy Tech School of Computing and Informatics (101 W. Sycamore, 4th floor) will offer tours of its newest location! Go inside to see what the college has to offer, learn about degrees available through the location, and fill your belly with complimentary snacks.

The Salvation Army will be serving hot chocolate out of its bus on the courthouse square – a great way to warm up since it’s likely to be chilly!

United Way of Howard County will be hosting several events in the Firestone Plaza Building, including a fashion show featuring pieces from Lux Boutique, Laura’s Place, and Blyes Bridal Shop; a kids’ dance party; and food from local food truck Baja Salsa. Sounds like a ton of fun!

Main Street Cafe (223 N. Main) will be offering several yummy features: their Red Velvet Cappuccino and new sandwich, Chorizo Torte. Stop by and try them both! (We hear that calories don’t count on First Friday anyway)

The Walnut Street Artisan (124 W. Walnut) will be featuring artist sales, including Bug Out Art by Brad Bickel – recycled wine bottles made into beautiful glass platters. If you’ve never seen them before, you have to check it out!

Planet Mind Learning Store (108 N. Main) is hosting a Makers Demo put on by SHAK Makerspace! People of all ages will enjoy the various items and arts-making activities, such as woodworking, 3D printing, painted art, laser pegs, and a souped up Power Wheels car from the Power Wheels Racing circuit! Who even knew that was a thing?

The Gingerbread House Bakery (505 N. Buckeye) is having its grand opening celebration! Last month they moved downtown, so let’s show them a nice warm welcome! You can look around inside their new location and sample a variety of holiday treats while you’re there.

AND MORE!