For some students, summer is the time to go home and catch up with old friends during next the three months. For others, summer classes are the plan, so it is another month or two in Muncie.
For downtown Muncie, summer is the time to organize a variety of events for families and students. Cheryl Crowder, event coordinator for Muncie Downtown Development Partnership, said the calendar is full of events and activities aimed at different demographics. She said although most students leave for the summer, she sees as many or even more people in downtown Muncie.
"We definitely see more people out just because it's summer and everybody wants to be outside," she said.
To prepare for the summer, Muncie has Spring Zing on April 24 to display the different camps and activities that are available for families during break.
Bob Hartley, owner of the Artist Within, said it's a family day, so there will be rides and food.
For children, the Artist Within has clay camp, Hartley said. Other organizations also have summer camps, such as Cornerstone Center for the Arts, Muncie Children's Museum and the Muncie YMCA.
"We try to keep our events diverse and I think the more that we can offer, the better," he said.
The events start in June with "Freaky-Tiki-Friday" and "Free Friday Movies," which are every Friday during the months of June, July and August.
"Friday nights here are insane," Crowder said. "It starts early and goes until late, and we have a full crowd, because families come to see the movies and then later we start Freaky-Tiki-Fridays."
At the same time, downtown gets organized for the guided tours during Ball State student orientation. Business owners, residents and members of the Downtown Development Partnership board volunteer to guide groups of parents through downtown to show them the variety of shops and restaurants.
Crowder said there are also events for college students.
"A lot of the students have gone home for the summer, but a lot of the students that stay are 21 and they are familiar with downtown and they are still looking for something to do, because everybody else has gone home."
In July, downtown puts together a parade to celebrate Independence Day. A new event, Fat Summer Fest, is programmed to be June 19, which will be similar to Muncie Gras, but will include water games. Toward the end of summer, downtown Muncie celebrates Muncie Rib Fest in the first weekend of August.
"We expect fabulous things this summer," Crowder said.
Downtown Development Partnership Events:
Spring Zing - April 24
4th of July parade - July 3
Fat Summer Fest - June 19
Muncie Rib Fest -First weekend of August
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