By Will Isaacs, Board President, Muncie Downtown Development Partnership—
MUNCIE, IN—Fire Up DWNTWN, held the second time on August 5th was created and organized by Muncie Downtown Development Partnership to implement an event that was unique, exciting, instill community pride and togetherness and would appeal to all demographics in our community and East Central Indiana. The event was packed with family activities and attractions, hot air balloons, musical entertainment, local artisans, food vendors, rib-eating/hot pepper eating contests and offers from downtown retailers/restaurants/bars. Our organization is humbled by the overwhelming support this event received in the past two years and of what we accomplished together as a community.
If you want to see more events like this, thank the sponsors who made Fire Up DWNTWN possible: Presenting Sponsor: Ivy Tech Muncie. Main Events Sponsors: Ruoff Mortgage, Starocket Media, Grizzly Fireworks & Boomers Factory Direct Fireworks, John Toms Barbecue, MITS, 3 RiversFederal Credit Union, The Clubhouse Muncie, Busch Light, The Star Press, Woof Boom Radio and Wealth Strategies Inc. Other Attractions/Entertainment Sponsors: The Muncie Visitors Bureau, The Community Foundation of Muncie & Delaware County, Lamar Advertising, First Merchants Bank, NASH 102.5, and 1925 Pubhouse. Special Thanks To Grantors and Year-Round Partners: Ball Brothers Foundation,The Sherman & Marjorie Zeigler Foundation, Ivy Tech Muncie, Magna, Wealth Strategies Inc, DeFur Voran, Horizon Convention Center, City of Muncie, Muncie Sanitary District, Muncie Redevelopment Commission, Community Enhancement Program, Old National Bank and our branding partner Intersection.
Our appreciation goes to Mayor Dan Ridenour and the City of Muncie. The Muncie Police Department, Muncie Fire Department, Muncie Parks Department, the City’s 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 130 individual volunteers, Sunshine Rotary and Psi Iota Xi members 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. Fire Up DWNTWN cannot happen without you.
On behalf of the board of directors for MDDP, we are grateful for the over one-hundred local artisans, makers, musicians, 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 areas: Old National Bank, Ivy Tech Muncie, DeFur Voran, Northwest Bank, The Clubhouse Muncie, The Lofts at the Roberts, Delk McNally and the Horizon Convention Center. And finally, thanks to all of you who joined us on August 5th.
We hope you enjoyed the event and will come back downtown on a regular basis to enjoy our variety of restaurants, retailers, and other special events.
Downtown is a central gathering place for everyone and everyone is invited.
