17,000+, but How was the Data Gathered?

Press release, from City of Muncie

“With an unprecedented
attendance of over 17,000 people, it stands as the largest and most successful Fire Up celebration
to date. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined us—from families and friends
to visitors and first-time attendees. Your enthusiasm and spirit are what make this event so
special each year.
We also want to sincerely thank the remarkable partners and sponsors whose generous support
and dedication make this event possible. Their commitment to the community is invaluable and
greatly appreciated.
A highlight of this year’s event was the overwhelming popularity of our DORA stickers, which
sold out completely. This enthusiastic response is a clear testament to Muncie’s vibrant
community spirit—one that knows how to celebrate responsibly while having a fantastic time.
Mayor Ridenour captured the essence of this gathering perfectly:
“When you see more than 17,000 people come together like this, it’s a reminder of what makes
Muncie truly special. This is more than just an event—it’s proof that Muncie is a vibrant, welcoming place to live, work, and grow. It’s not just about the numbers; it’s about the pride, joy, and unity we build together.”

Garret Doan, President of the board for Muncie Downtown Development Partnership, added: “Our sponsors, volunteers, and community members made this day unforgettable. We are
incredibly grateful and already looking forward to next year’s event, which promises to be even
bigger, better, and more memorable as we celebrate five years of Fire Up DWNTWN.”
Thank you once again to everyone who helped make this celebration such a remarkable success.
Together, we continue to build a strong, connected, and thriving community.”

Amber Greene, Communications Director,  City of Muncie 

WMUN Radio News also asked about how that crowd estimate was gathered, and someone held up a smart phone.  Data tracking was a large part of it, and some data points were shared about time spent in the Event Area, whether visitors were from the downtown area already – or came from other parts of town (or, seemingly elsewhere).  We also asked about financials – expenses, as compared to direct revenues.   We requested that information, and are waiting to hear back.

Steve Lindell