Streets in Muncie were lit and loud with fireworks burning on backyards and parks, but the city's main show, its fireworks display, attractedhundreds of residents for the last few hours of the Fourth of July.
The sky was lit Sunday night at Minnestrista during the annual fireworks at the levee, which were set by the City of Muncie and Backyard Broadcasting.
Muncie Indiana Transit System provided free shuttles from Northside Middle School and Southside High School to the display area. Shuttles started running at 8 p.m. until after the display ended.
Steve Richardson, MITS bus driver, said he has worked in the past few years on Fourth of July, and this year he saw an increase in the number of people using the shuttle to go to Minnetrista.
People sat outside Minnestrista, having picnics and lighting their own fireworks while they waited for the display. Meanwhile, Muncie Police worked making sure the place was in order.
About 30 police officers were on duty at Minnestrista before and after the display, Sergeant Joe Krejsa said. As of 9:30 p.m. two people had already been arrested for public intoxication and one person had been hit in the eye with a firework on accident, Krejsa said.
"And it's not even 11," he said. "This is normal on every Fourth of July. That's why we are here."
The fireworks display started at 10 p.m. and lasted about an hour. The fireworks set up to burn along with the songs that Backyard Broadcasting chose.
For many, the fireworks display is just a good opportunity for friend and family to meet and have a good time, Muncie resident Shelby Starkey said.
"I think the display is fun, and I wish it went longer than 30 minutes," she said. "But what I like the most of this event is the fact that I get to see my friends and hang out with them for a while."
Others go to the display because they like to see the variety of fireworks. Robin Poland, from Albany, Ind., said she and her family have come to Muncie each year to see the display.
"What I really like about the display is the synchronization. It's fun," she said. "Considering we're from a smaller town that has smaller displays or none at all, I really enjoy this one."
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