A Letter to the Community from Muncie Downtown Development Partnership

This iconic image of Fire Up DWNTWN was photographed by Matt Ruddick.This iconic image of Fire Up DWNTWN was photographed by Matt Ruddick.

By Will Isaacs, Board President, Muncie Downtown Development Partnership—

Fire Up DWNTWN, was created and organized by the Muncie Downtown Development Partnership. The goal was to implement an event that was unique and exciting—one that would instill community pride and togetherness and would appeal to all demographics in our community and throughout East Central Indiana.

The event was held on Saturday, August 6th. It was downtown Muncie’s peak summer extravaganza, packed with family activities and attractions, hot air balloons, musical entertainment, local artisans, food vendors, rib-eating contests and hot deals from downtown retailers/restaurants/bars. Our organization is humbled by the overwhelming support this event received and proud of what we accomplished together as a community.

If you enjoyed the event and want to see more, please thank our generous sponsors, who made Fire Up DWNTWN possible: Presenting Sponsor: Ivy Tech Muncie. Main Events Sponsors: Ball State University & Muncie Sports Commission, Boulder Falls & The Frozen Boulder, Boyce Systems, CANPACK, Great Grizzly Fireworks & Boomers Factory Direct Fireworks, JohnToms Barbecue, MITS, Open Door Health Services, Ruoff Mortgage, The Clubhouse @ Accutech, The Star Press, Woof Boom Radio and Wealth Strategies Inc. Other Attractions/Entertainment Sponsors: The Community Foundation of Muncie & Delaware County, First Merchants Bank, NASH 102.5, Peterman Brothers and The Camp & Eat Boat-Tique. Special Thanks To Grantors and Year-Round Partners: Ball Brothers Foundation, The Community Foundation of Muncie & Delaware County and The Sherman & Marjorie Zeigler Foundation, Ivy Tech Muncie, Magna, Wealth Strategies Inc, Raymond James, DeFur Voran, Horizon Convention Center, City of Muncie, Muncie Sanitary District, Community Enhancement Program, Old National Bank and our branding partner Intersection.

Much appreciation goes to Mayor Dan Ridenour and the City of Muncie. The Muncie Police Department, Muncie Fire Department, Muncie Parks Department, the City Administration Office and Muncie Sanitary District partnered with us in so many ways that brought fun, safety, and security to the event.

To the more than 140 volunteers who gave of their time and talents, who “literally”sweat to make sure things went as smoothly as possible to provide an enjoyable experience for the public, you have our heartfelt gratitude and respect. No shows go on without you.

We are grateful for the over one-hundred local artisans, makers, musicians, and food vendors and the participation of our vibrant downtown business community. We also want to thank the businesses who generously donated the use of their parking lots: Old National Bank, Ivy Tech Muncie, DeFur Voran, Northwest Bank, Open Door Health Services, The Clubhouse @ Accutech, The Lofts at the Roberts, Star Bank, Delk McNally and the Horizon Convention Center. And finally, thanks to all of you who joined us on Saturday. We met people from Marion, New Castle, Richmond, Anderson, Fishers, Carmel, Illinois, Missouri, California, New York and even visitors from France and Finland during the event.

We hope you had a “sizzlin’ good time” and will come back downtown on a regular basis to enjoy our variety of restaurants, retailers, and special events. Downtown is a place for everyone.