Decorah Chamber of Commerce Stages Clue-Inspired Gala, Complete with Suspects, Sleuths and Sponsors Galore

We hike Pulpit Rock for the views — and for the stories waiting at the top. Support Decorah News today. DECORAH — The Decorah Area Chamber held its annual gala fundraiser Friday night at Impact Coffee, bringing together about 120 community members, local business representatives and visitors for an evening themed around the classic mystery game "Clue." The event supported operations of the Decorah Area Chamber nonprofit, which serves businesses, residents and visitors in the community. Guests arrived in formal wear and costumes inspired by the Parker Brothers board game and the 1985 film, as the downtown event combined social activities with an interactive mystery experience. The evening featured character-themed cocktails prepared by Impact Coffee mixologists and game-themed hors d'oeuvres catered by Bon Appetit. Participants visited four themed "rooms" to gather clues and solve the mystery before the final reveal later in the evening. Organizers said many attendees correctly solved the mystery, though only one winning game card was selected. Christina Krouse-Gagne won the "Crime Scene Cleanup Kit" prize. Jenny Harman won the "Wild Accusation Game," in which participants made guesses before receiving any clues. Doors opened at 6 p.m. for drinks, appetizers, raffles and a photo booth. A welcome and game instructions followed, with the mystery game beginning at 7 p.m. Raffle winners were announced at 8 p.m., and the mystery solution was revealed shortly afterward. The evening concluded with a live auction. "The event is, of course, an important fundraiser for the Chamber nonprofit, but it is also very much a fun gathering of people who love Decorah," Chamber Director Jessica Rilling said. "Our attendees understand the value of having paid professionals supporting small businesses, bolstering tourism exposure on a larger scale, and creating synergy between businesses, organizations and institutions. I think there is both a genuine appreciation for the party—a thoughtfully curated event—as well as the result, which is a strong nonprofit organization helping the Decorah area." The gala included sponsorship support from numerous local businesses and organizations. Decorah Bank & Trust served as the premier sponsor. Supporting sponsors included Stanley Engineered Fastening and KAR Auto Group. Additional sponsors included Viking State Bank & Trust, Helms Funeral Home, AJ Realty, Paul Hudson State Farm, Modish, Johanningmeier Stone, Hacker Nelson & Co., Inspire(d) Media, BeMobile, Black Hills Energy, All Vets Club Decorah, JB Holland Construction, Friest & Associates Realtors, Crown Electric, Mracek Plumbing, Heating & Electric, Jenny Wren Gift Market, Viking Realtors, The Highlands and Rendered Unique. Organizers said the 2027 Chamber Gala will be held April 30 at Impact Coffee with the theme "Gnome Sweet Home." Fresh stories, delivered! Sign up for the free DecorahNews.com newsletter and stay informed, inspired, and ahead of the curve.