Murder mystery, community awards highlight of MV Chamber banquet

Football coach Cox tapped as Citizen of the Year, Elder Farms Business of the Year
The Mt. Vernon Area Chamber of Commerce held their annual membership banquet on Saturday, March 1, at Southern Charm Estates. The evening sported a 1920s Chicago-style theme, with LeAnne Pfeiffer Photography taking professional photos of guests in front of the Mt. Vernon “Speakeasy,” a backdrop provided by Pfeiffer and Mt. Vernon Regional Arts. Guests were also able to play games such as Black Jack, miniature golf, cornhole, and Prohibition Pong.
The mystery begins
The main event of the evening, however, was the murder mystery, titled “Death of a Gangster.” Put on by The Murder Mystery, Co., “Death of a Gangster” involved those in attendance who were tasked with solving the murder.
Mystery was lot of fun
Four teams figured out the murderer, but The Murder Mystery, Co. awarded the Best Detective Team Prize to the team Bigger Willie, comprised of Charles Stidham, Samara Stidham, Jason Adams, Mandie Dawson, Zandra Freelend, Megan Dawson and Brenda Dawson.
Guests were chosen to play some of the characters. Lucas Bentley played a character known for snitching. He said he had a lot of fun with the role.
“I enjoyed it,” he said. “It was a lot of good interactions between people.”
Jane Hood, who also performed, said she also had a good time being part of the mystery.
“It was fun, it was intriguing, and it was fun to be part of all this,” she said.
Hood added that she didn’t realize at first she would be the culprit.
“I didn’t (know),” she said, “but I did kind of wonder.”
Awards given
Following the mystery, the annual chamber awards were presented, with some recipients speaking after being presented with their awards. Tom Cox, the Mt. Vernon Mt’neers football head coach, was named Citizen of the Year.
In his speech, Cox said the Mt. Vernon Mt’neers football team was about more than just football.
“In the football program, we have a four-year plan for your sons, and we have a 40-year plan for them.”
Cox also expressed pride at the way his former players had grown into respected members of the community.
“As I look out here tonight, I see … just what husbands, what great fathers, great employers and employees, and great citizens that you guys have become. And I love you all very much, and I love Mt. Vernon.”
Following the banquet, Brittni Bates, chamber director, said that she was very pleased with how the evening went.
“I’m super excited,” she said. “We had a lot of fun, but I was really pleased with the way that we honored our award recipients and our contributions to our community.”
The awards presented during the banquet were:
Golden Apple Awards: Sheryl Hood and Jason Prater
Citizen of the Year: Tom Cox
Business Leader of the Year: Terry Cook
New Member of the Year: My Main Street Pizzeria
Business of the Year: Elder Farms
Legacy Award: Kathy Fairchild