Mardi Gras partiers in Muncie won't have to wait for Fat Tuesday this year - downtown will start the New Orleans-flavored bash Saturday night.
The first "Mardi Gras Downtown," a spree imitating New Orleans will take place in downtown Muncie this weekend. The event is sponsored by Saber Radio Group, Downtown Development of Muncie, Tavern Owners Association, and Village Tobacco.
"I am so amped for this," said Cheryl Crowder, special events coordinator for Downtown Development group.
The event will be held Saturday from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. along Walnut Street. More than 16 restaurants and bars will be participating and several bands will perform, such as Johnny Johnny, Blue Print Music, The Common, Little Chicago Jazz Quartet, The Southern Edge and DJ Rodger Hammond.
A Lousiana-style parade, complete with floats and costumes, will start at 10:00 p.m., beginning from the corner of Main and Walnut streets and proceeding to Charles Street. Participants should gather at 9:30 p.m. at the Courthouse Square.
Tickets cost $7 at the door of any participating business the night of the event or a $5 ticket good for the whole event can be bought at any venue beforehand. Participation in the parade is free. Proceeds will go to Open Door Community Services, a non-profit organization.
Transportation will be provided for the weekend by MITS trolleys. They will run a free shuttle service from downtown to the Village from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m.
A Casino Night will take place from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. at the Horizon Convention Center, located on 401 S. High St. Tickets can be purchased for $25 and are good for the whole night.
The Village will participate in the spirit of Mardi Gras festivities as well. Scotty's Brewhouse will start a special Mardi Gras menu Saturday, such as their three-entree Cajun menu, and other drink deals. On Fat Tuesday, Feb. 12, the band Dirty Sanchez will be playing at 10 p.m. and Wednesday Rich Hardesty will perform.
Dill Street Bar and Grill will have drink specials, a DJ, and several contests tentatively planned. Free Spring Break trips will be given away as well. The events start Thursday and will last through Saturday.
"The Village is the place to be for Mardi Gras," said Clint Nelson, general manager for Scotty's Brewhouse.
"We'll put on a good show and make sure everybody's safe and having a good time."
The Ball State French Club will sponsor a Mardi Gras dance Friday from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Admission is free and a Dixieland jazz band called Mid-Coast Six will play.
"We put a lot of work into it," said Joshua Dear, the club's president. "We are hoping for at least 100 people to show."
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