WLBC’s Annual Ornament Smash Returns to Cornerstone on December 8th

A scene from the Grand Smash held at Cornerstone Center for the Arts in 2014. Photo by Mike RhodesA scene from the Grand Smash held at Cornerstone Center for the Arts in 2014. Photo by Mike Rhodes

By Dee McKinsey—

Event Last Year Held Virtually Due to Concerns About COVID-19

MUNCIE, Ind.— In the spirit of the holiday season, 104.1 HD1 WLBC is again hosting its annual Christmas Ornament Smash where selected participants —104 of them — get to smash a Christmas ornament and win prizes.

Those prizes can be gifts, money, or $3,000 to spend at Walls Furniture and Mattress in Muncie.

Five lucky children will begin the event by each being given a special gift that Santa knows they want and elves bring from the North Pole.

Ornament Smash will begin at 6 p.m., Dec. 8, in the E.B. Ball Auditorium. Cornerstone Center for the Arts, 520 E. Main, Muncie.

Steve Lindell, WLBC Wake up Crew host, emcees the event.

Participants retrieve their ornaments at the event, are called to the stage, use a “fruitcake” made from the recipe of the mother of legendary local sport broadcaster, Morry Mannies, now deceased, to smash their ornament. The “fruitcake” has been fortified with concrete, according to Lindell.

Prizes are written on paper inside the ornaments and extracted after participants take out their aggression against the poor innocent bauble inside a fish tank. Unlike the now fabled turkey drop from a helicopter of fictitious Cincinnati radio station, WKRP, no one is harmed.

Lindell is amazed about the popularity of this event: “When we dreamed this contest up 27 years ago, I knew it would be fun – but NEVER thought it could become such a focal point, and really part of the Christmas tradition in East Central Indiana,” he said.  “Our entire staff from front office, to account executives, to on air radio personalities – and our sponsors –  have embraced and grown this event, and we could not be more excited to be back at Cornerstone Center for the Arts to celebrate!”

For details and contest rules visit WLBC.com, or listen to 104.1 HD1 WLBC.

 

About Cornerstone Center for the Arts

Cornerstone Center for the Arts offers opportunities for creative expression for all through community and rental spaces in a historic setting.  Thousands of area residents attend events, wedding and civic events, in addition to taking classes in art, dance and music. Cornerstone is home to the Muncie Symphony Orchestra, The Masterworks Chorale, the East Central Chamber Orchestra, America’s Hometown Band and The Bridge Church.  For additional information go to www.cornerstonearts.org or call 765-281-9503.