Pirates will take over Port Orchard today, as the third annual Mystery Weekend will create a fantasy environment that challenges participants to solve a crime and win prizes.

“This will be a lot of fun,” said Mallory Jackson, a Bay Street business owner who is organizing the event. “It will promote Port Orchard and give downtown merchants a chance to get people to come through their shops.”

The mystery, titled “Who Killed the Cap’n,” centers around the murder of a pirate captain. Throughout the weekend, participants will be guided toward different locations where they will acquire clues.

There are certain events, such as a coroner’s report presented at 4 p.m. today, and clues scattered throughout downtown.

For the purposes of the story, Port Orchard will become an island — a detail that will provide a key plot point.

Beginning at 6 p.m. tonight, a Pirate’s Ball will take place at Moodogs Too on Bay Street.

The event, which features live music, is a fundraiser for the Port Orchard Chamber of Commerce.

Admission is $7 for kids and $15 for adults, and includes a meal and nonalcoholic beverage.

The kids—those under 21—will be kicked out at 8 p.m.)

There are 16 roles, recognizable by their pirate costumes. One is the killer.

Jackson said this will be the largest cast to participate so far, and this year’s troupe is more diverse.

“Previously the majority of the actors were young,” she said. “Today we will have people of all ages.”

While the action will be defined up to a point, the actors will find it necessary to stay in character as they answer what may be unpredictable questions.

This will require the ability to improvise, according to Jackson.

On Sunday, participants will meet to identify the killer, who will become apparent during the staging of a “mini-play.” 

The person who solves the mystery won’t get anything but bragging rights, but all participants will have the opportunity to win a prize drawing.

Jackson said that it is possible that Port Orchard Police Chief Al Townsend will be on hand to make the arrest and cart away the perpetrator, although no actual jail time will be imposed.

Asidew from the mystery enactment and the ball, several other pirate-themed activities will occur during the weekend.

These include a race and a costume contest for both human and pets.

Jackson said there will be entry fees for most of the events, and that anyone who wants a shot at solving the mystery will have to pay $10.

There will be no charge to observe the action.

“We’re looking for a way to help downtown merchants,” said Former Port Orchard Mayor Kim Abel, who helped write the script. “This is a good way to draw people into local shops.”