Despite higher production costs this year, the fifth annual Muncie Mardi Gras raked in about $40,000 in profits for downtown development, which will go toward other events such as this weekend's Saint Patrick's Day parade and Summer Jam.
About 11,000 Ball State University students and local residents attended the controversial downtown Mardi Gras event, generating about $102,000 in total sales, said Cheryl Crowder, events coordinator of downtown development.
More pre-sale tickets and less at-the-gate sales were counted this year compared with last year, most likely because of the cold weather, Crowder said. The ticket prices increased this year from $8 to $10 pre-sale and from $10 to $15 at the gate.
Downtown officials will discuss whether to bring back Muncie Mardi Gras next year after several area pastors protested the event's promotion of drunkenness and nudity. Crowder said she was confident changes would be made to next year's Mardi Gras event, as is done every year.
Mayor Dan Canan said earlier this year that he was still working to make downtown development eventually self-sufficient. The mayor allows $150,000 in economic development funds for the nonprofit organization, which goes toward overhead costs and salaries, Crowder said.
"My understanding is that the mayor has a commitment to downtown through the rest of his term," Crowder said. "But you never know what is going to happen in an election year, and I think he would like to see the organization self-sustaniable or self-sufficient by the end of his term."
Several committees are looking at various funding options beyond downtown development events.
"In order to make an impact on the quality of life in Muncie that we feel we are obligated to make, we need a lot more money," Crowder said.
The Saint Patrick's Day parade, which is less costly to produce than Muncie Mardi Gras, begins at 11 a.m. Saturday and includes Walnut, Gilbert and Mulberry streets. Summer Jam, however, will require about $175,000 and will take place June 3 instead of in September because construction for the greenspace, which serves as a lawn seating area, is slated to begin in late July or early August, Crowder said.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
