Rain or shine, Muncie Gras returns

Muncie Gras will go on – rain or shine. After the event was postponed last month due to bad weather, Muncie's answer to Mardi Gras will take place Saturday night.

Despite the late start, this year's Muncie Gras will still feature the usual live music performances, disc jockey dance parties, light shows, costume contests and plenty of alcohol.

Muncie Gras began in 2001 as a way to market downtown Muncie. Cheryl Crowder, program manager for Downtown Development, said the area was very different nine years ago. Walnut Street – which is closed off for Muncie Gras every year – was made up of mostly vacant buildings.

"We wanted to dispel misconceptions people may have had about downtown like there wasn't any place to park, or it's not safe," Crowder said.

Muncie Gras 2010 will have four stages for entertainment. There will be live music, belly dancers, fire artists, drag shows and two costume contests – one of which will feature eco-friendly costumes.

"I remember one year this guy had a suit completely made out of bubble wrap," Crowder said. "It was tailored too. It was just so cool."

Since the first Muncie Gras, more businesses started sprouting on Walnut Street. Less bars needed to be set up for the event, because the area already had its own. Mike Martin, owner of Doc's Music Hall on Walnut Street, said he always looks forward to Muncie Gras.

"It's like the biggest night of the year for us," he said. "It's pretty much the one night that helps us keep in business."

One of the biggest problems with Muncie Gras over the years has been the cold weather. Many attendants have complained about snow and the freezing February temperatures. Three years ago, Muncie Gras added heated tents for the music performances and bars. However, last month, the snow was considered to be too much.

Crowder said there will be no big tents Saturday because of the week's warm weather, although small tents will be set up in case of rain.

"It's much more exciting to be able to see all the way down [Walnut Street] during Muncie Gras," she said.

Attendance, though usually high, has fluctuated over the years. Last year, Crowder said a little more than 5,000 people came out for Muncie Gras.

The biggest crowd the event has seen was in 2006 during Muncie Gras' biggest controversy. Many churches in the downtown area contacted Fox 59 complaining about the noisy, alcohol-heavy activities at Muncie Gras. Crowder said 2006 had a crowd of almost 11,000 people.

Muncie Gras keeps with the spirit of the real Mardi Gras. Beads, masks and other festive accessories are passed out to the crowd. However, only people who can legally drink are allowed to attend. Crowder said Walnut Street is completely gated up for safety and to keep younger people from wandering into the event.

"Nobody can accidentally fall into Muncie Gras," she said.

Bars in the area, including Doc's and The Heorot, host special events for Muncie Gras every year. This weekend, Doc's will host performances from bands including Catch Curtis and One Side Later.

Martin said Doc's becomes almost too crowded during Muncie Gras.
"Nobody can walk," he said. "We have to move all of the tables and chairs out of the way for the night."

Bar owners all over the city will set up booths and serve alcohol all night. Amy Carrow, owner of Buddy's Place, is gathering about five members of her staff for the bar's booth at Muncie Gras. Carrow said she is ultimately happy the event was moved to March.

"It all happened so quickly," she said, "but the weather will be a lot nicer."

Carrow said Muncie Gras is a great thing for the city, and, more importantly, it's a positive event.

"Everybody has fun," she said. "I've never seen any trouble. It's a great chance for a community of those 21 and older to come together and have fun. I don't know if a lot of other cities around do anything like this."

Muncie Gras takes place Saturday from 7 p.m. until 2 a.m. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the gate. All tickets bought for the previous date will be valid this weekend.