In a city the size of Muncie, Homecoming affects more than students. Community response is a key element in event's success.
This year, Homecoming Steering Committee Chairwoman Libby Skiles said overall participation has increased even though the city was unable to become very involved.
"I contacted the Chamber of Commerce three times and left messages, and they never returned my phone calls," Community/Sponsorship and Business Chairman Matt Bare said. "But I'm really looking forward to setting up a relationship for next year."
Bare said they personally visited over 20 local businesses but did not get much of a response. Many local businesses and organizations are participating in the parade though, Skiles said.
Cheryl Crowder, coordinator for special events for downtown development, said this was the first time in at least four years they have been unable to sponsor a parade float.
"We've been swamped with stuff this year," Crowder said. "It's certainly something worth doing, and I just wish there were maybe just five more hours in every day."
She said getting Muncie involved is important because Ball State University is part of the community.
"Everyone in Muncie is aware Ball State is a big employer in the community," Mayor Dan Canan said. "It has a huge economic impact with all the students there. Participating in Homecoming events certainly shows Muncie city support for Ball State University,"
Canan said he will participate in the parade but is unable to attend the football game.
Bare said he wanted to get more community involvement for next year and planned to do so by calling earlier and not accepting no for an answer.
"I would like to see a lot more community citizens come to events and to have more businesses get involved," Bare said. "Not necessarily financially but on campus with different things. They just need to ask what they can help us with because we can't get to them all one-on-one."
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