Muncie Gras 2008 brought in about $30,000 in profits this year, which will help with the costs of future city-sponsored events, according to Cheryl Crowder, program manager of downtown development.
This year's 5,000-person turnout and profit rank midway among highs of 11,000 people in attendance and lows such as last year's 2,000, she said.
Remaining Muncie Gras profits will cover upcoming city-sponsored events including the 26th annual St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 15, she said.
Crowder said about 40 to 50 organizations typically applied to participate in the parade, including greek organizations, politicians and public service departments.
Also on the calendar this spring are Spring Zing, a family-oriented art fair and Friday Night Movies in June and July, she said.
She said the city needed additional funding for expensive events such as the End of Summer Jam, which includes a live music show.
Mike Martin, owner of Doc's Music Hall, said the bar sponsored indoor concerts for the evening, which brought in "all-time record high" profits.
"Every year it means huge business, but this year was the best I've seen at Doc's for 15 years," he said. "If they ever canceled Muncie Gras, I'd flop down on the ground and cry."
Martin said the bar's profits were usually enough to cover operating costs for the year.
Crowder said heated tents and the indoor concerts brought larger crowds this year. Also new this year were inflatable TV screens, which streamed live footage from Mardi Gras in New Orleans, she said.
"The tents were great," Crowder said. "People were able to enjoy the entertainment they love and stay warm in the mean time."
Harsh winter weather kept the crowds away from Muncie Gras 2007, causing an almost $10,000 loss for the city, according to previous reports.
"It always take a little while to recover from a loss like that," Crowder said, "but we were very happy with this year's turnout."
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