The Eatonton-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce is inviting the lake area community to attend its second annual murder-mystery dinner fundraiser.

According to Bonnie Simmons, tourism manager with the Eatonton-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce, the chamber’s dinner fundraiser, “Murder at the Juice Joint,” will take place Jan. 16 and Jan. 17 at the Plaza Arts Center in Eatonton at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $35 from the Chamber’s Eatonton location and cost includes dinner, one drink ticket, dancing and “a murder,” according to Simmons.

At the Eatonton Chamber’s murder mystery dinner, everyone is a character, Simmons said.

“When you purchase a ticket, you purchase your character. There are no scripts,” Simmons said. “When you purchase a ticket, you receive a brief description of your character. Everyone who comes is a character. No one is sitting down and watching.”

Though Simmons does encourage interaction, there are minor characters available for those who would want to take a lesser-active role in the performance.

“This is the second year we’ve done it. Last year was a Western theme,” Lindsey Camp with the Eatonton Chamber of Commerce said. “This year’s theme will take place in the Roaring ‘20s and will take place in a ‘speakeasy’ setting.”

A speakeasy was a location where, during Prohibition (1920 – 1932), illegal alcohol sales would take place away from the eyes of law enforcement.

With such a theme in place, this year’s murder mystery dinner will be “a night of mayhem to remember,” according to Simmons.

“With murder on the menu, you are certain to find a medley of individuals to make the night most memorable. From the major mobsters and their molls to the swanky swinger with her hopes at Hollywood. No one is safe from murder … but everyone will have a chance at solving it,” Simmons stated. “Someone’s ticket will say ‘You are the victim.’”

The idea comes from attempting to find a subject that could be used for all involved and yet catch the attention of outsiders in a fundraising role, according to Simmons.

“It was something different for the community. A new idea for the lake area,” Simmons said. “Last year was wonderful. It sold out.”

The event is scheduled to last around three hours and around 30 tickets were still available as of Monday, according to Simmons.

For more information, contact the Eatonton-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce at (478) 485-7701.