Tag: Past Events

Posted on

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!”

Posted on

Spinning Towards Inclusion – Morningside Park welcomes the We-Go-Round

A dome with vertical spokes sits on an attractive slab against the background of the rest of the park. It has seats inside and the backs of the seats are painted with seasonal motifs. Visible on the front are a winter scene with a deer and three snow-covered trees, and a scene with two trees and a variety of animals including a beaver and a wolf facing the center of the panel.

In an enchanting display of community spirit and dedication to inclusivity, the Morningside Neighborhood Association, in collaboration with Muncie Parks and Recreation, proudly unveiled the newest addition to Morningside Park – the We-Go-Round. This vibrant carousel of joy was brought to life thanks in part to the financing from ARP funds, showcasing a community’s commitment to creating shared spaces that celebrate the diversity of abilities.

The We-Go-Round, installed by Landscape Structures, is more than just a playground piece; it’s a revolutionary design that invites children of all abilities to whirl in unison. With strategic seating areas and plenty of space, the structure welcomes wheelchairs, even those without wheel-locking mechanisms, ensuring no child is left on the sidelines.

Mayor Ridenour stands with Neighborhood Association members in front of the new We-Go-Round. A man in the center of the group holds a large pair of black, ribbon-cutting scissors.

The ribbon was cut on Monday, October 16th, 2023, with Mayor Ridenour, Deputy Mayor Ivy, Superintendent Malone, Park Staff, Neighborhood Association members, and the Muncie Police Department in attendance. The We-Go-Round, with its shade-providing rooftop and central handhold, promises to be the hub of laughter and shared experiences.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in making this dream a reality.  Come visit, see the joy in motion, and let your hearts spin with delight at Morningside Park.

Posted on

‘Terrific’ friends come together for community reading project

A person in a green and white shirt sits on a low chair reading to children gathered around in an arc around him on the floor
Longfellow Elementary School student Isabella Foster reads Charlotte’s Web to Longfellow Principal Gerry Moore and her schoolmates A’Nyiah Shannon and Rashaud Hill.
Longfellow Elementary School student Isabella Foster reads Charlotte’s Web to Longfellow Principal Gerry Moore and her schoolmates A’Nyiah Shannon and Rashaud Hill.

“Some pig’ really brought the community together in September.
“Charlotte’s Web” was the focus of a community-wide reading initiative, culminating in Muncie Civic Theatre’s production of the classic tale at Southside High School. 
The initiative, designed to get kids excited about reading, was led by a team of executives from Muncie Civic Theatre, Heart of Indiana United Way, Muncie Community Schools, and Muncie Public Library.

Highlights:

  • Every third and fourth-grade student in Muncie Community Schools received a free copy of the book, thanks to support from Northwest Bank and Altrusa Foundation. 
  • Muncie Public Library locations offered audiobooks – in several languages – available for families to check out and listen to together. 
  • Muncie Civic Theatre offered four free daytime school matinees for MCS students, sponsored by Meridian Health Services. 
  • Muncie Community Schools students made “Charlotte’s Web”-themed art and prepared special songs that were part of the Civic Theatre performance.  
  • Muncie Civic Theatre provided free performances of the play for families participating in this community read initiative.  
  • Muncie Altrusa Club volunteered to read “Some Pig,” an early-reader picture book version of “Charlotte’s Web,” to elementary students. 
  • Several childcare centers and after-school programs worked on crafts, activities, and games they shared with each other and families to build interest and fun around the story.  
  • Muncie Civic Theatre presented “Charlotte’s Web” at Southside Middle School.
Posted on

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.

Posted on

The free Neighborhoods Pool Party Tuesday at Tuhey Park made quite a splash with families!

The event was hosted by Muncie Action Plan, with help from Ball State University’s Office of Community Engagement, Shafer Leadership Academy, Woof Boom Radio, and the City of Muncie. 

When they weren’t in the pool, partygoers played yard games and “Muncie Bingo,” and enjoyed pizza, beverages, and popsicles. Kids received some cool summertime swag – beach balls and bubbles. 

Prizes for the bingo winners included Minnetrista memberships, Holiday World passes, WLBC totes, and more! And parents and caregivers received the gift of very sleepy kiddos after a high-energy evening.

Posted on

Halteman Village Celebrates Park Improvements

Photo of park sign

Halteman Village Neighborhood Association held their first park party Saturday, July 1st, and it was a huge success! Around 300 folks attended to celebrate the transformation of Halteman Park. To date, HVNA has raised over $112,000 towards park improvements that include new playground equipment, pavilion, and landscaping. The neighborhood association recently launched another campaign to raise funds to implement recreational and wellness opportunities for adults and seniors in the community. To learn more about past improvements and current goals as well as how you can make a donation, please visit:  https://www.patronicity.com/project/halteman_park_phase_two#!/