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DELAWARE COUNTY FAIR MARKS 173 YEARS
HISTORIC FAIR RETURNS WITH NEW ATTRACTIONS
Writer / Melissa Gibson
The Delaware County Fair will celebrate 173 years this summer, a monumental milestone not many fairs can boast.
It became a community event during the Civil War, and despite setbacks such as devastating fires, pandemics and more, it has continued creating a rich history and classic stories over the years.
This year, the fair returns with some of the tried-and-true events, along with some new activities.
“This year we have a new website and a new logo. It’s neat to be able to look back and see how long we’ve been a part of this community,” said Jessica Masters, vice president of the fair board and volunteer. “We have a paid staff of four people and the rest are volunteers that pull this event together for the community, as well as keeping the fairgrounds and building rentals running through the rest of the year.”
The Delaware County Fair began in 1852, in conjunction with the formation of the county’s agricultural society. Its humble beginnings featured farm animals, crops, homemade goods and exhibits in the courthouse yard.
A few years later, as the fair grew, more space was needed, and in 1871, the county purchased nearly 42 acres for $7,800, specifically for the purpose of hosting the fair among other community events.
A grandstand featuring a racetrack stood tall in the center of the property until it burned down in 1948. Then again in the early 2000s, what they referred to as Building 3 burned to the ground as well.
Longtime volunteer and previous board member Larry Clendennen recalls the moment the board decided to build the fair’s newest building, Heartland Hall.
“At the time, Building 3 was the only place on the fairgrounds for a meeting of any kind. A lot of people used it,” Clendennen said. “I was asked to chair the committee and we finished Heartland Hall in 2006. It was first used in the fair in 2007. Prior to that, after the fire, we were using a big tent across the street for our meetings.”
Looking back, photos still exist of women in hoop skirts and parasols, and old photographs or pamphlets advertise events like boxing, a pony raffle drawing, tickets for the “Palace of Oddities” show and more.
Those might be the old-fashioned activities and attire, but some things have remained the same.
For many, it’s become a tradition. Showing off the 4-H projects, food contests, live shows, live music and summer evenings riding carnival rides under the stars is something you don’t want to miss.
This summer, the 4-H portion of the fair will be presented July 7–16.
Youth have been working on a variety of subjects over the past year, culminating in a competition or showing of their final projects.
The Heartland Hall building will feature sewing and fashion projects, cake decorating and cooking projects, gardening, photography, welding and more throughout the week.
By July 10, the dog show, horse and pony
show, poultry show and other livestock events will take place.
Grandstand events will arrive July 13–19.
Tickets need to be purchased for the grandstand events, and they offer something for the entire family nearly every night of the week, including motocross, autocross, dirt drags, truck and tractor pull, TNT Demo Derby and 3 Bar J Rodeo.
“The rodeo and the demolition derby are the most attended grandstand events. 3 Bar J Rodeo travels all over the state, including the Indiana State Fair each year,” Masters said. “The demolition derby will return for the second year from our promoters, TNT. They all do a really great job.”
From July 13–16, visitors can catch the best of both worlds: see the 4-H livestock shows before they head home and enjoy an evening of live music and a grandstand event. On July 15, the carnival rides will also be available.
In addition, July 14 is designated Muncie Community Day. Visitors will receive free
parking and can enjoy a variety of events. Though the carnival rides won’t be open, livestock and live entertainment will be available, and local vendors will be on hand with handmade items and unique finds throughout the day.
Of course, funnel cakes, elephant ears, caramel apples, cotton candy and more will be available for purchase.
The tractors will return on display this year, in addition to classic cars, jeeps and motorcycles on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening.
The volunteers and fair board organizing all of the activities and entertaining shows hope the people of Delaware County enjoy a day in Muncie, celebrating all the good things the community offers.
“We hope it’s a great evening to spend with the community; that we’re able to enjoy time with friends and family and neighbors,” said Masters. “I think post-COVID, we don’t often get together at big events, and this is a neat
opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy the evening.”
Masters hopes the more visitors to the fairgrounds, the more potential residents and visitors can see on the property.
In addition to the popular livestock shows and dog shows, the fairgrounds offer so much more.
“We have camping available year-round. We rent our buildings for weddings, banquets, corporate meetings, auctions — even fashion shows. It’s a great facility, and we hope the community continues to support it,” Masters said.
For a full schedule of events and more information about the Delaware County Fair, visit delcofairgrounds.com. Parking is $5 per person or $15 per carload of more than three.
NEW MUNCIE YMCA COMBINING FRONT PORCH FRIENDS AND FITNESS
Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing
When Kristen McConnell was a little girl, her grandmother lived in a house along the town’s main thoroughfare. It had a screened-in front porch that became the neighborhood’s de facto gathering spot. When people walked by, they’d stop to say hello and maybe even sit on the swing to chat for a bit.
“That welcoming ‘front porch feel’ was what we wanted for this YMCA,” said McConnell, vice president of mission advancement at the YMCA of Muncie. “We wanted people to gather here for friendships and fellowship.”
The 70,000-square-foot facility opened in March and is a consolidation of two of their existing membership sites. The full-service YMCA includes the usual gym and swim offerings, but they also intentionally designed the space to be adaptable to community needs.
“We really wanted this to be a place for
everyone in the community, so we designed the facility with that in mind,” McConnell said, noting they host an annual campaign to raise money ensuring everyone has access to the Y. “We try to remove any barriers, including financial ones, so that everyone can enjoy it.”
The facility attracts a diverse demographic united by shared goals of self-improvement and health. One result of the COVID-19 pandemic was a societal awakening to the need for connection.
“Everybody was isolated and lonely, and nobody wants to be like that anymore,” she said. “Here we foster a sense of belonging among our members.”
Seniors, in particular, are eager to connect, especially those who are retired or living alone.
“We have a fantastic senior group that comes
to work out,” McConnell said. “Sometimes they go for lunch afterward or just sit and visit for a spell. But they know one another, and if you’re not here for your class, someone is going to miss you!”
The YMCA also features an area for teen engagement and a play-and-learn space for young children. It operates the city’s Tuhey Pool and, from June 9 to Aug. 1, provides free meals Monday through Friday from 3 to 4 p.m. for kids up to 18 years old.
In mid-June, the YMCA hosted a Healthy Kids Day party for children ages 3 to 14, distributing healthy snacks and holding a bicycle race, obstacle course, color run and face painting. Summer day camp for kindergartners through fifth graders is also available. While registration is full, a wait list is open. Onsite literacy, numeracy, social-emotional learning and character development are incorporated into the programs.
For teens, a Workforce Development Program runs fall through spring after school. It trains youth from across the county and beyond to be job-ready. The statewide initiative expands and diversifies the YMCA’s talent pipeline by introducing young people to careers with the organization.
“We have different curriculum involved, but a lot centers around etiquette and customer service skills,” McConnell said. “We then employ those kids at our Y in various positions.”
A leader’s club and a youth leaders club also offer leadership development, character education, social-emotional learning and service-learning opportunities. During each session, the Y provides participants with a free hot meal.
“Our service area is in a food desert, so meals are a great draw,” McConnell said. “This way we know the kids are getting the nutrition they need.”
The YMCA partners with Thrive Credit Union to promote financial literacy and with the Tobacco Coalition to educate youth about the risks of smoking, drugs and vaping.
Teen Rec Nights for 11to 13-year-olds are hosted occasionally. These events are free for members and $5 for nonmembers.
“It’s a chance to have additional engagement with mentors who are dedicated to building relationships with teens,” McConnell said. “Kids can participate in basketball, three-onthree knockout, a half-court shot contest and other activities. Or they can just hang out.”
to say what I think these teens want to do,” McConnell said. “What they really want, however, may be something completely different.”
To ensure they’re meeting teen interests, the Y has a rotating Teen Advisory Board, which serves in an advisory role similar to a board of directors.
“It’s one thing for me as a 40-year-old mom
The YMCA is located at 315 E. Columbus Ave., Muncie, IN 47305. For more information, call 765-288-4448 or visit muncieymca.org.
PURPOSE OVER PROFIT
THE POP SHOP IS MUCH MORE THAN A LOCAL CONVENIENCE STORE
To Paris Powell, Muncie feels like home. He was born and raised here before moving to Anderson when he was 13 years old. He later relocated to Port Charlotte, Florida. In July 2023, however, Powell returned to Indiana to attend a Back to Muncie Festival, which is celebrated citywide by all cultures. Sadly, following the celebration, there was a mass shooting in the area of South Hackley and Willard Street that resulted in multiple injuries and one death. Powell, who was one of the victims, was shocked that such a tragedy could happen in Muncie, even though he knew he shouldn’t be.
“Unfortunately, this is not an isolated thing,” says Powell. “Shootings happen in Indianapolis and other places all of the time. The level of violence now is diabolical.”
As a single father with a huge heart and big dreams, he wanted to find a way to reverse the culture of violence. Fate stepped in when he heard that the store at the site of the shooting was for sale. He thought that if he bought it, he could find a way to engage with the youth of the community in a positive manner. Powell originally considered converting the building into a study hall with computers and highspeed internet as an exploration hub for local kids.
“I wanted to get them in here and let them imagine any kind of life they possibly would want,” Powell says.
However, after going into a gas station and convenience store a few miles from his building, he witnessed an elderly black person getting berated by the cashier. Powell vowed never to patronize that business again. He then went to another nearby establishment and
found they were selling products for four times their value. In that moment, he pivoted on his business plan.
“I thought, ‘I’m not going to complain about all of this. Instead, I’m going to get in the merchant lane and do fair-value pricing for the community right here where this tragedy happened,’” says Powell, who took classes at
Ball State to learn about the intersection of entrepreneurship and community. In January 2025, he officially opened the POP Shop, which stands for Purpose Over Profit. More than a convenience store, it’s a way to mentally, spiritually and financially enrich the youth of the community.
Even though Powell had great credit and
credentials, he says it was a rocky start as he initially had a hard time finding distributors who would work with him due to prejudice.
“People need to understand the difference between racism and prejudice,” Powell says. “It has nothing to do with the color of my skin. It has something to do with the demographic of the area and the audacity for someone with melanin in their skin to open up a store in this lane. That type of resistance is something you can’t put a finger on, but you know it exists. That’s the definition of prejudice.”
For a time, Powell had to drive to Indianapolis and fill his truck with inventory, then drive back to Muncie to stock his shelves. Thankfully, he found F. McConnell & Sons, Inc. to become his distributor.
Once he opened his doors, the public started flooding in to show their supporteveryone from the Muncie Black Chamber of Commerce to the deputy mayor, the mayor, county commissioner, Muncie clergy and many locals.
“It’s been a great addition to the community,” says Gary Bouglass, who lives across the street from the Shop. “It was much needed in this area so the kids around here don’t have to cross those busy streets like Madison to get to the store.”
Employee Serena Sharp loves greeting the customers.
“The people around here are great,” she says. “The community enjoys it and keeps coming back.”
It feels good to build something beautiful on the grounds of something bleak.
“We wanted to bring light where there was darkness,” Powell says. “We wanted to bring life where there was death.”
Indeed, every day the shop has light, life and laughter.
“I’m going to make sure customers laugh when they get to that counter,” Powell says.
Some come for the laughs, and others for the
homemade snacks, which came about quite by accident one day when Powell was hungry and went to the back to whip something up. The scrumptious smell of chili and noodles wafted through the store, and customers asked if they could have some. Next thing you know, Powell started selling his concoctions, which he admits are different every day.
“I throw in all these exotic seasonings,” he says. “I can promise you that what you get is never going to taste the same, but it most definitely will taste like something you’ve not tasted before.”
Whether the store succeeds or fails financially, Powell already considers his endeavor a success.
“I’ve had grandparents tell me their grandkids are promising to behave if they can go to the POP Shop,” Powell says. “That makes me happy.”
The POP Shop is located at 904 East Willard Street in Muncie. Follow the POP Shop on Facebook and Instagram.
Starting in early July, Muncie will join the growing list of cities embracing designated outdoor refreshment areas. These zones will allow residents and visitors to enjoy alcoholic beverages outdoors within specific boundaries. The initiative, designed to enhance community engagement and economic activity, includes three key locations: downtown Muncie, the McKinley neighborhood and the Ball State University Village.
Designated outdoor refreshment areas, or DORAs, are specially designated zones where individuals over 21 can purchase alcoholic beverages from participating establishments and consume them within the defined outdoor boundaries.
These areas aim to create a vibrant, walkable environment while ensuring safety and compliance through clear regulations.
To participate, individuals must
• Purchase beverages in specially marked, recyclable DORA cups from licensed businesses.
• Remain within the DORA boundaries while consuming beverages.
• Adhere to local laws and guidelines, including refraining from bringing outside alcohol into the area.
Clear signage will delineate the boundaries of each DORA zone, and businesses within these zones must adhere to specific training and protocols to ensure responsible service.
McKinley Neighborhood
Known for its charm and community-focused atmosphere, the McKinley DORA will support local businesses and create new opportunities for neighborhood events and gatherings.
Ball State University Village
Catering to the university community, this area will provide students, faculty and visitors a safe and enjoyable way to socialize and support local eateries and pubs.
Community and Economic Benefits
The introduction of DORAs is expected to provide significant benefits for Muncie.
Boosting Local Businesses
By enabling patrons to move freely between establishments, DORAs encourage increased spending at bars, restaurants and shops.
Creating a Vibrant Atmosphere
The relaxed environment of DORAs can make events and everyday outings more enjoyable, fostering an enhanced sense of community.
Attracting Visitors
DORAs add a unique appeal that can draw visitors from surrounding areas, contributing to tourism and economic growth.
Enhancing Safety
With clear rules and partnerships with local law enforcement, DORAs are designed to ensure public safety and responsible drinking.
Looking Ahead
City officials and business owners are optimistic about the launch of Muncie’s DORAs. Public information sessions will be held in the weeks leading up to the July launch to educate residents and businesses about the program’s rules and benefits.
By creating spaces where people can safely and enjoyably gather, Muncie’s DORA initiative promises to strengthen the community while
supporting local enterprises. As the city gears up for this exciting change, residents can look forward to a lively and inclusive summer season.
Downtown Muncie
Spanning the heart of the city, this area includes popular restaurants, bars and cultural attractions. The DORA aims to enhance the downtown experience, encouraging foot traffic during events like First Thursdays and seasonal festivals.
THE LANDING AT REDWING
MUNCIE’S NEWEST OUTDOOR RECREATION SPACE AND EVENT VENUE
Writer / Heather Collins
Nestled on 63 acres along the White River, the Landing at Redwing features an outdoor amphitheater, campgrounds, luxury bunkrooms, cabins, hiking trails, and The Lodge, a 150-seat banquet hall with a commercial kitchen.
In September 2022, Slayd and Corry Milhollin acquired the property, formerly known as Camp Redwing, for roughly $500,000. The Milhollins aimed to create a family-friendly space for the community to connect with nature and disconnect from the digital world. More than 4,000 attendees enjoyed camping, fireworks, and fresh air at the venue’s inaugural Independence Day Celebration and grand opening in July 2024.
The historic campground, which opened in 1925, was used by the Boy Scouts of America for 90 years.
“There is a feeling of peace once you’re on
the property,” Corry Milhollin said. “We want the community to be able to relive and reminisce about their memories here while creating new ones.”
The Landing at Redwing is officially open for reservations, weddings, camping, hiking, and fishing.
The second annual Independence Day Celebration will take place Saturday, July 5, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. The free event will feature fireworks, camping, vendors, a kids’ zone, a car show, tournaments, food trucks, and live music performances by Jansen and Jerry Barker & The Onion Cutters.
Aaron Pohl, known as “Mr. Fourth of July,” said the Independence Day event at The Landing at Redwing boasts the largest and longest fireworks show in Delaware County. Pohl uses $25,000 worth of consumer-grade
products to create what he calls “Muncie’s most underrated fireworks show.”
“I think it’s just male genetics, we all like blowing stuff up,” Pohl said. “I’m more than happy to be lighting up the sky for everybody.”
Before the fireworks show, the American flag will be raised while electric guitarist Brenner Romine performs “The National Anthem” live. Pohl described the introduction as “bone-chilling.”
Jami Whitehead, a local resident, said she loves creating memories with her family of five at The Landing at Redwing.
“You’re able to find that little piece of property within that acreage that makes you feel at home and safe,” Whitehead said. “The beautiful scenery is breathtaking.”
Tyler Parks, a former Delaware County sheriff’s deputy and assistant varsity softball coach at Wapahani High School, also praised the venue. Parks, who owns the nonprofit No Athlete Left Behind, coordinated a camp night for the Indiana Longhorns, a travel softball organization, at The Landing at Redwing. More than 80 attendees enjoyed smoked brisket, camping, hayrides, and games.
“The Landing at Redwing is, by far, the most off-the-beaten-path, quiet campground we’ve stayed at in Indiana,” Parks said.
The Milhollins have updated several facilities, including new roofs on The Ranger House, The Lodge, and all three picnic shelters. The Bunkhouse was remodeled into two suites and a bunkbed room. Slayd used wood from the original Boy Scout bunkbeds to create furnishings for the suites.
In 2023, a cement stage with a 200-seat capacity was installed, designed by Slayd with wide terraced steps. Honeysuckle was removed to create a backdrop and access to the White River from behind the stage.
Muncie residents Helen and Colin Ashby had their wedding ceremony at The Landing at Redwing on May 25. The ceremony and reception, attended by 170 family and friends, were held at The Lodge.
“Helen and I both love the outdoors,” Colin Ashby said. “The Landing at Redwing was just the perfect place for our wedding.”
The original first aid station was remodeled into a Bride’s Suite. The entire property can be reserved for weddings.
The Milhollins have preserved all nine primitive campsites on the property, including Twin Trees, Lone Cherry, and
Butternut Hill. Other amenities include fishing along the White River, a playground, volleyball court, fire pits, and horseshoes.
To register for The Landing at Redwing’s second annual Independence Day Celebration, visit thelandingatredwing. com/fireworks.
Holiday camping passes are available online for $50, with a minimum two-night stay.
The Milhollins are currently remodeling The Ranger House and plan to move onto the property by the end of the year. Interested in self-sufficient living, the couple plans to create a family compound with a vegetable farm and livestock.
The Landing at Redwing is located at 5757 E. Inlow Springs Road in Muncie, Ind. For more information, visit thelandingatredwing.com.
Midas
Included
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Limited
Guaranteed
• Brake Pads
• Brake Shoes
• Mufflers
• Shocks & Struts
THE ARSENAL EFFECT
HELPING STUDENTS HIT MEANINGFUL FITNESS MILESTONES
Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing
Muncie native Eric Van Matre has been immersed in fitness his entire life. A three-sport athlete in cross-country, basketball and baseball, he was two days shy of signing a contract to play minor league baseball when he blew out his elbow throwing a football with friends. He hadn’t properly warmed up. That injury led him to pursue a master’s degree in sports performance from Ball State University.
“I thought, ‘Man, if I could have learned to train in more of this athletic style at a younger age, where might I have ended up?’” Van Matre said.
After graduate school, he hoped to become a collegiate strength and conditioning coach but instead ran a private sports performance facility
in Dayton, Ohio, working primarily with middle and high school athletes.
hormones kick in, training becomes fun. A strong foundation lets hormones enhance progress.”
“I fell in love with it because I essentially got to build an athlete, starting with the foundation,” he said.
In 2018, Van Matre returned to Muncie and connected with the owner of The Arsenal, a performance fitness facility downtown. Home to Muncie CrossFit, it also includes Arsenal Sports Performance, a program for youth aged 10 and older that helps athletes build confidence and reach their full potential through cutting-edge, science-backed training. Van Matre said 10 is the starting age to ensure athletes have the attention span and maturity to focus properly.
The program offers three core pathways to athletic excellence, each aimed at improving coordination, increasing joint and tissue durability, and boosting strength and power. The first pathway is oneon-one, sport-specific personal training. The second is a semi-private group session for three to six athletes. The third is a general sports performance class, with four to 25 kids per session and a coach-toathlete ratio of 1 to 10.
“You earn your way through the program,” said Van Matre, head performance coach at The Arsenal. “Every athlete, whether they’re 10 or 18, must go through our foundations progression. That means they learn to use kettlebells, dumbbells and body weight exercises before progressing to barbells.”
Athletes move up as they meet range-of-motion and strength standards. The journey may take months or years depending on age and development. For example, a 10-year-old and a 16-year-old vary greatly hormonally.
“The big thing with young athletes is skill acquisition and motor control development,” Van Matre said. “If they master that early, when
New athletes begin with an assessment, during which Van Matre asks them to identify two physical and two mental goals. One 13-yearold wrestler, for instance, admitted to losing confidence when facing higher-ranked opponents. His mental goal became improving confidence on the mat.
“Kids often don’t realize they can achieve something by sticking with a long-term goal,” Van Matre said. “They don’t yet see how doing hard things pays off.”
The program is unlimited; athletes can attend as often as they wish. However, Van Matre requires at least two sessions per week for progress.
“At the youth level, people focus on physical performance,” Van Matre said. “But teaching kids how to follow a process, create goals and pursue them is key.”
Christopher Finke, who went on to play in the NFL, trained with Van Matre.
“A group of high school teammates and I trained with Eric for an offseason,” Finke said. “We all dreamed of a state title and college football. Each day was challenging, focused and fun. He taught me the technique to build strength and quickness for the field, which led to my best season and a walk-on offer from Notre Dame.
“I owe the strength of my body, my friendships and the ability to chase big dreams to Eric.”
The Arsenal Fitness is located at 210 E. Centennial Ave., Muncie, IN 47303. For more information, call 765-748-4936 or visit arsenalfitness.com.
EMPOWERING POSITIVE CHANGE
IVY TECH STUDENTS CONNECT WITH AT-RISK INDIVIDUALS
Writer / Kimber Hercest
Students from Ivy Tech Community College’s Human Services Group Process and Skills course recently completed a series of motivational group sessions at Delaware County Community Corrections, focusing on themes of personal growth and resilience.
Over eight weeks, students led and supported sessions to help participants get motivated to overcome barriers and set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals. The collaboration allowed students to
apply classroom knowledge in a realworld setting while providing structured support to participants.
“Our class conducted and facilitated a motivation group that focused on what motivates, who motivates and what can hinder someone’s motivation,” said student Angelica Lucio. “We also covered how to carry these goals forward even after the sessions end.”
Students served in leadership and supportive roles, encouraging
participation and guiding discussion. “My group and I led the session on how to stay motivated, especially in environments that don’t exactly encourage success,” said student Delena Main.
The experience offered students insight into group facilitation and the dynamics of human services work. “What surprised me the most was how open all of the group members were and their willingness to participate,” said student Jessica Barnes. “It gave me a better understanding of group facilitation and
showed how important it is to create a safe space.”
Students acknowledged challenges, such as maintaining focus during sessions, but developed strategies to manage them. “The challenge was getting back on topic during group,” Main said. “We learned to redirect with encouragement and examples that helped the clients refocus.”
Melanie Wright, program chair for the Human Services Program, praised the initiative. “This collaboration provided an invaluable opportunity for my students to apply their classroom learning in a real-world setting,” Wright said. “It’s a true testament to the power of education and partnership in fostering growth and change.”
The partnership offered mutual benefits. Students gained hands-on training while clients received motivation-focused support. “This kind of collaboration helps everyone grow,” Lucio said. “It gives clients a voice and students real-life experience that will carry into their future careers.”
Jayne Meranda, executive director of Delaware County Community Corrections, echoed that sentiment. “Clients that participated in the groups reported a positive experience and enjoyed working with the students,” she said. “Some even thanked us for putting them in the group.”
For students like Lucio, the experience reaffirmed their passion for human services. “I’ve wanted to help people my whole life,” she said. “This program reminded me why I’m on this path and just how much of a difference support can make.”
Their message to future clients: “You are enough! Change isn’t easy, but it’s possible—and it all starts with you. Give it your best and keep pushing,” Lucio said.
To learn more about the Human Services Program at Ivy Tech Muncie-Henry County, visit ivytech.edu/muncie.
“YOU ARE ENOUGH! CHANGE ISN’T EASY, BUT IT’S POSSIBLE—AND IT ALL STARTS WITH YOU. GIVE IT YOUR BEST AND KEEP PUSHING.”
- ANGELICA LUCIO
JULY CROSSWORD PUZZLE
ACROSS
1. Some trophies 5. Slant
9. Hit in the ring 12. “Carmen” selection 13. Poor, as excuses go 14. Outback runner
15. Pulmonary problem 17. Child occupier 18. Collar, as a perp 19. Puts on the line
21. Staff of life
24. Unexciting 26. Salad topper 27. Miles off 29. Application blank 33. Classified material?
34. “The Pirates of Penzance” heroine
36. Smidgen
37. Prepared to drive, with “up” 39. Curious, plus 40. “No ___”
41. Grand Canyon-esque
43. Out of practice
45. “Peter and the Wolf” bird
48. Oregon ___
49. Haul
50. Impassively
56. Start and end of the Three Musketeers’ motto
57. Has 58. In ___ of 59. Layer 60. Versifier
61. Kind of cell
24. Send abroad in disgrace
25. Kitchen professional 26. Loose flesh
27. Not healthy 28. Iridescent gem
29. Fume
DOWN
1. Feather holder?
2. Caterer’s dispenser
3. Bake sale offering 4. Hot spot
5. Amorphous mass
6. First name in spy fiction
7. Who or where follower
8. Browns
9. Fleet components
10. Crazily
11. Acquires
16. Palindromic title
20. Charge carrier
21. Bridge site
22. Fair feature
23. In addition
24. Wooden shoe
25. Mining finds
28. Clappers
30. Mall conveniences
31. Spar
32. On pins and needles
35. Songlike
38. Deep vein thrombosis (abbr.)
42. Ancient fabulist
44. Asia/Europe divider
45. Hoo-ha
46. Downtime
47. Like a crone
48. Pugilist’s weapon
51. Enough to tango
52. United
53. Turned on
54. Ang or Spike
55. Compliment to the chef
Solutions
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Submit Your Events!
3
FIRST THURSDAYS WITH THE MUNCIE MAKERS MARKET
5–8 p.m. – Adams and Walnut streets, Downtown Muncie
Join local growers and makers for a fun outdoor community event every month on First Thursdays.
4 INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION AT BELGIAN HORSE WINERY
2–11 p.m. – Belgian Horse Winery, 7200 W. County Road 625 N.
Celebrate Independence Day with wine, music and fireworks.
FOURTH OF JULY WITH AMERICA’S HOMETOWN BAND
7 p.m. – Minnetrista, 1200 N. Minnetrista Parkway
Enjoy patriotic music from America’s Hometown Band leading up to the fireworks.
5
FARMERS MARKET AT MINNETRISTA (OUTDOOR MARKET)
9 a.m.–noon – Minnetrista, 1200 N. Minnetrista Parkway
Discover fresh produce, baked goods, plants, eggs, meats and more every Saturday through October.
MUNCIE CARS & COFFEE
9 a.m.–noon – Corner of Walnut and Charles streets, Old National Bank parking lot (116 W. Charles St.)
Open to all vehicle years, makes and models. Hosted by the Muncie Volkswagen Club.
14
THE CHAMBER CUP CHALLENGE GOLF OUTING
8 a.m. – Memorial Park Golf Course, 2221 N. Memorial Drive
Compete for the traveling perpetual trophy.
THIRD THURSDAYS WITH THE MUNCIE MAKERS MARKET AT MADJAX
5–8 p.m. – Madjax MakerForce, 515 E. Main St. Enjoy a “night market” vibe indoors with local growers and makers every month on Third Thursdays.
HIGH SCHOOL WOMEN’S SOCCER TEAM CAMP
Anderson University, 1100 E. 5th St. High School Girls’ Soccer Teams, come prepare for your HS season!
23 BACK TO SCHOOL FIT FAIR
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. 1601 East 26th Street
Join Meridian Health Services host the Back-toSchool Fit Fair.
CARDINAL GREENWAY CENTURY RIDE 2025
7 a.m. – Cardinal Greenways, 700 E. Wysor St.
First event in the 2025 Regional Event Series. Routes up to 100 miles beginning and ending at the Wysor Street Depot. JOIN MERIDIAN HEALTH SERVICES HOST THE BACKTO-SCHOOL FIT FAIR ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 24TH FROM 10:00 A.M. TO 3:00 P.M. AT SOUTHSIDE MIDDLE SCHOOL LOCATED AT 1601 E. 26TH STREET IN MUNCIE
