Although the downtown streets weren’t nearly as crowded as they were last year, beads and the baring of breasts were still aplenty at Saturday’s Muncie Gras.
Although Muncie Downtown Development doesn’t have a final ticket count yet, attendance seemed lower than 2012’s record turnout. Partygoers recalled having to elbow their way through the streets last year, but with a high of 40 degrees once the sun set, most of this year’s crowds were in the bars or circled around the outdoor space heaters.
PHOTO GALLERY: Take a look at the highlights of Muncie Gras
But despite the weather, Cheryl Crowder, Muncie Downtown Development event director, said she was pleased with the event.
The new additions were a success with a consistent line at zipline throughout the night, she said.
“We always look for different things to keep it fresh,” Crowder said.
Although she doesn’t know yet what changes she’ll make for next year’s celebration, she knows one thing she doesn’t want returning.
“We could do without the threat of a snow storm the day it’s happening,” Crowder said.
Those who did attend made the most of the night.
If there was one place that successfully captured the raucous nature of a New Orleans Mardi Gras, it was the Columbia Theatre. Patrons took advantage of the indoors for warmth — and the wet T-shirt contest.
Nearing 11 p.m., four women made their way to the stage, collecting the nearly see-through white Budweiser T-shirts that DJ Dimitry handed them.
“Yes, you must wear the T-shirts, and no, we do not have dressing rooms,” he announced through a microphone to a cheering crowd.
For photojournalism and creative writing major Camille Germain, entering the contest began as a joke between friends. But she eventually found herself onstage getting drenched with the rest of the women.
“I guess I have good [boobs],” she said laughing, referring to why she moved on to the next round.
While all shirts stayed on during the first round, the same couldn’t be said for the second and final rounds at midnight and 1 a.m., respectively.
Phones popped up to snap photos as contestant after contestant flashed the crowd, hoping to win the $100 prize.
Not everyone partook in the debauchery of the night.
Despite chants from the crowd to show her breasts, Alyssa Haller kept it clean on the mechanical bull.
“I told my friends I would ride the bull,” the senior speech pathology major said laughing. “But I’m not showing my [boobs].”
Haller said riding the bull at Muncie Gras was just one of the things she had to do before graduating.
“It was a lot harder than I thought it would be to hold on,” she said.
Although Haller didn’t give in to the crowd’s chants, the same couldn’t be said for the next girl, as she lifted her shirt, earning several bead necklaces from onlookers.
While Muncie Gras had its fair share of debauchery — wet T-shirt contest, lap dance from male strippers, plenty of booze — it also provided a clean dose of fun.
An elderly Jean Filson danced in the street with the Pork and Beans Brass Band, a six-person band of drums and brass instruments. She was decked from head-to-toe in her traditional Mardi Gras get up: a purple robe, pink feather boa, sparkly purple mask and purple and pink dye in her white hair.
“We’re partners in crime,” said her friend Jack Baker, equally as decked out in costume wearing a yellow coat with fringe.
“No, we’re partners in fun,” Filson replied.
Although Filson was originally from Muncie, the pair now travel every year from Ridgeville, Ind., to partake in the festivities. Baker was even at the first Muncie Gras 12 years ago.
Was it any different then?
“Nope, like this,” Baker said. “But smaller.”
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