- How did Muncie Gras get started?
Like all events Downtown, Muncie Gras was established as marketing tool to encourage folks to discover Downtown. The local radio stations came to us with the idea as a duplication of a similar event in one of their sister cities, Willmington PA. The cities share a similar demographic and entertainment district and they had several years of success with their celebration. Because Downtown Development has nurtured a reputation for "trying anything once" we agreed to host the event. Overwhelming, is the only word to describe the first year's event!
- From what you know, how far do people come from to attend Muncie Gras?
We see folks from all over the Midwest but often hear from people who make the pilgrimage from all corners of the USA! Lots of locals plan gatherings with friends from out of town around the Muncie Gras date. It really is one of those unique events where Muncie can market to a broad audience...who else is insane enough to host a huge outdoor bash in the middle of February in Indiana!
- What are some short term and long term goals for Muncie Gras?
On the short term, Muncie Gras is the largest fund raising effort of the year for Downtown Development. We are a self funded not-for-profit organization and proceeds from Muncie Gras allow us to produce many other events to promote Downtown throughout the year.
On the long term, growing the event, adding new attractions, reaching a wider audience, expanding our marketing to other Indiana college campuses, and increasing the economic benefits to the community as a whole.
On the long term, growing the event, adding new attractions, reaching a wider audience, expanding our marketing to other Indiana college campuses, and increasing the economic benefits to the community as a whole.
- In doing research I've found that some religious leaders in Muncie have fought against Muncie Gras. It was famous enough for Pastor John Tyner to appear on Fox's The O'Reiley Factor. What involvement have you had with Rev. Tyner? Do you see any problems or dangers with Muncie Gras?
Interview video: http://www.metacafe.com/watch/75540/against_mardi_gras/
We have always tried to be responsive to the concerns of the faith community. I did not have any direct communication with Rev. Tyner but have always left the door open for a conversation to occur. Several minister expressed their concern after the first year. As a result, Muncie Gras became a ticketed, gated, 21 and up event. All attendees are adults of legal drinking age who pay to gain entrance to the event area. You can't accidental attend Muncie Gras. We encourage responsibility, provide adequate and responsive security and offer free transportation. Overall we believe that adults can make their own choices about whether this is event they would enjoy attending or not.
- Are there any crowd favorites that are returning this year and any new attractions that people will surely enjoy?
All of the crowd's favorite attractions are returning. We will have 2 additional performance stages with acts that you surely won't want to miss, a regional bellydancing contest, enhanced costume contest, VIP ticket opportunities, additional heated tents and indoor venues.
- How has Muncie Gras changed over the years?
The first year we approached this event, very few of the buildings on Walnut Street had received attention. We invited local bars and eateries to move into vacant Downtown storefronts for the evening, and by doing so, 16 temporary establishments were installed in abandoned spaces over a three block area. As we started planning the event in 2008, we realized that after 8 years of substantial improvement Downtown and some hostile weather, we needed to totally reinvent how we set up for this event. We had virtually no empty storefront spaces to use and that has lead us to the huge heated tents to house bars and entertainment and the elimination of the big outdoor stage. There is still plenty of live music and active entertainment but we are not at the mercy of the weather.
- I've interviewed a patron of four years to Muncie Gras. He gave me some information that I would like to have verified or denied. He said that a few years ago, Muncie Gras had a larger attendance. He said that Muncie police officers nearly ruined the event by issuing public intoxication tickets to patrons to generate money for the police department. He said that it seemed to hurt the event in the past few years. Do you think this is true? What is your opinion of this statement?
Rev. Tyner's national publicity of Muncie Gras generated our biggest numbers ever, with 11,000 tickets sold. Attendance plunged in 2007 when a blizzard hit the area 5 days prior to the event. We decided to move forward with Muncie Gras because we already had substantial non- refundable expenses committed...in hindsight we should have taken the front end loss. Our numbers were back up to about 6000 last year and I anticipate a gain again this year.
I am not aware of MPD ever issuing public intox tickets to Muncie Gras guests unless they were creating a situation that was dangerous to themselves or other guests. MPD is present at the event and I think they do a great job of evaluating when they are needed. There aren't alot of rules attached to Muncie Gras, we revel in a traditional manner, but the police will step in if a situation turns violent or a guest is interfering with someone's enjoyment of the evening. We have had DUI arrests. Weather you are drinking at Muncie Gras, a bar or house party, we encourage folks to make responsible choices and either secure a designated driver or use the free MITS trolley service. MITS will run all evening 7pm-3am to The Village, Lyndenbrook hotels and Windemere Apartments.
- The Muncie Gras Web site commented on the event being set up to handle the cold weather. Why is this outdoor event held in one of the coldest months? Why is it not scheduled for warmer months? Are there benefits to having the event in February?
Because we're NUTS!
Seriously, the are several reasons for maintaining the winter date. First of all...that's when Mardi Gras happens. For those who need translation, "Mardi Gras" means, Fat Tuesday. Fat Tuesday is the day before Ash Wednesday beginning the season of Lent leading up to Easter. Fat Tuesday is the "last hoorah" of indulgence before the sacrifices of Lent. Granted, we don't party on Tuesday, but Muncie Gras is always held the Saturday before Fat Tuesday. The date changes each year because Lent is determined by the date of Easter which is determined by the lunar cycle...wheew! In 2011 we actually get a March date!
Additionally, our sponsor like the traditional Mardi Gras date. Keeping them happy is important to making this event work. There is little competition for their branding during this time.
It is an economically slow time of the year for both the hospitality and food and beverage business. Muncie Gras is a great financial shot in the arm for businesses not only Downtown but throughout the community.
Downtown Development will produce 13 major events and 2 serial (weekly) events in 2009. Looking at the the community calendar, BSU/student calendar and Downtown's calendar, there isn't a better time to do it.
Last, but not least, by mid February cabin fever has set in. Our numbers show that people are ready to party!
Cheryl Crowder Program Manager
(765) 282-7897: office
(765) 215-5880: cell
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