Did you miss this year’s $2 Tour of the Village?

The “$2 Tour of the Village” returned Saturday, Aug. 24, on University Avenue between Calvert and Dill Streets.

Not only was admission free to this event but the first 100 people through the gates were given a $2 bill to spend on awesome $2 items from Village businesses (an Art Mart goodie bag or a $2 t-shirt from Screenbroidery, just to name a few).

This fifth-year event was hosted by the Riverside/Normal City Neighborhood Association (RNC), the Muncie Action Plan, and Ball State University’s Office of Community Engagement, with additional support from the Muncie Downtown Development Partnership and Ball Brothers Foundation.

“We wanted to create a fun festival for incoming freshmen and returning students to experience all that the Village has to offer,” said Heather Williams, Associate Director for Community Engagement at Ball State University and Program Manager for Building Better Neighborhoods, as well as MAP President. “We also hoped that Muncie residents would stop by and enjoy the $2 samples, vendors, music, and entertainment.”

More than 50 vendor and organization booths lined the street, and The Guardian Brewing Company had a tent in the middle of all the action selling their local brews. There were grassy areas with comfy seating and lawn games, a high striker, dunk tank shenanigans (for charity), mechanical bull riding, and a hot pepper-eating contest.

Two stages offered non-stop entertainment. On the West Stage, the area’s must-see bands performed – Free Joel and Jerry Barker. On the East Stage, performers included The Aerial Annex, University Singers, and the Shamaniacs Drum Troupe.

The first 300 attendees received $2 Tour Guides with Passports. Those with passports could have them stamped at certain Village businesses. Once the passports were filled, attendees were eligible to win lots of great prizes!

“The Village is a special place, a historic commercial corridor for the Riverside/Normal City neighborhood and a gathering space for students where a lot of memories are made off-campus,” Williams said. “We wanted to continue to build on and support the unique culture and character of the Village, and the $2 Tour was an opportunity to do just that!”

Your opinions needed!

2026-2029 5-Year Parks and Recreation Master Plan Community Survey

The City of Muncie is creating the 2026-2029 5-Year Parks and Recreation Master Plan to determine which recreational facilities and programs are needed in the future. We are seeking input from your household to help us determine those needs. Please participate in this survey!

2023 Spectrum of Development Update

Building Better Neighborhoods (BBN) was established as a program of Ball State University in 2014. Over the last ten years BBN has helped neighborhood associations meet development goals that fall within the “Spectrum of Development”. These include things like registering at the Indiana Secretary of State as a non-profit and acquiring a bank account in the name of the association. BBN has also assisted in setting up social media accounts and providing sample Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation. Every neighborhood is different, and their needs are unique. BBN strives to meet every neighborhood where they are in their development journey and provide the assistance required to get them where they want to be to best meet the needs of their residents. 

2024 MAP Annual Report to the Community

A woman in a gray sweater with her arm around a child in a black hoodie. They are holding a chalkboard on which is written "Welcoming and Open Community!"

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2024 AT 6:00 PM 

Annual Report to the Community Muncie Action Plan (MAP) invites YOU to MAP’s Annual Report to the Community. Join us on Wednesday, January 31st at 6:00 in the Indiana Room at Minnetrista Museum and Gardens for a look back at the last year of MAP activities and learn about the exciting things to come in 2024. 

Incoming MAP Board President, Heather Williams, will present updates on the 2023 MAP activities with highlights from each Task Force leader.

We had a blast at this year’s Bridge Dinner!

Article and photos by Michelle Kinsey, Communications Manager, Office of Community Engagement

“It’s my favorite event of the year.”

It’s a comment you hear often at Muncie’s Fall Bridge Dinner.

And what’s not to love?

This year’s event, on Sept. 21, brought hundreds of community members to the Washington Street Bridge on a beautiful evening to enjoy great conversation, music, and the beautiful views of the White River.

There was music (provided by a DJ), food vendors, Muncie-loving merch sellers and, new this year, an opportunity to get up close and personal with the river in a Canoe Country kayak.

The long community tables were decorated with fall leaves, created by art students at Burris Laboratory School.

Thanks to everyone who made the Bridge Dinner possible: Muncie Action Plan, Shafer Leadership Academy, Ball State Office of Community Engagement, Muncie Downtown Development Partnership, Ivy Tech Community College – Muncie, Riverside-Normal City Neighborhood Association, Old West End Neighborhood Association, Open Door Health Services, Polcz Volbrecht Homes at RE/MAX Real Estate Groups, Muncie Community Schools, Canoe Country, and Words with Jas.

Generous support for the event is provided by Community Foundation of Muncie & Delaware County, Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce, Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance, Muncie Central JROTC, Walls Furniture, and Woof Boom Radio.

2023 $2 Tour of the Village is back!

Header Image for the event that gives the event details written out below and shows a man giving the peace-sign after getting dunked last year

Looking for something fun to do or just want to see what the Village has to offer? 

When: August 26 from 4-8 PM
Where: The Village in Muncie

2023 $2 Tour flier (pdf)

Live music and huge discounts on items ranging from FREE to just $2!

The Riverside-Normal City neighborhood association is excited to host a $2 tour of the Village! Participating Village merchants will be offering $2 items that range from an Art Mart goodie bag to a hard-shell taco at Chavas or a $2 t-shirt from Screenbroidery. Live music will begin at 4:00 PM on a stage at the intersection of Dill St and University Ave.

This event will showcase local village businesses while promoting the Riverside-Normal City neighborhood and its unique features, like the neighborhood’s prime location between Ball State, downtown Muncie, and Minnetrista!

Bonus:

  • The first 500 attendees will receive a Village Passport.  Collect 5 stamps to be eligible for prizes donated by participating Village merchants.
  • The first 100 attendees will receive a $2 bill!

Sponsors:

This free event is sponsored by Ball State University, Ball Brothers Foundation, Muncie Action Plan, Muncie Map Company, and the Riverside-Normal City Neighborhood Association.