MUNCIE, IN(NewsLink) - You can’t by a lot for $2, but over the weekend, in order to draw interest from Ball State’s new freshman class, businesses, old and new, set up shop outside their stores in the Village selling at least one product for only $2!
The inaugural $2 Tour of the Village took place from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday between Calvert and Dill streets on University Avenue.
“When students aren’t here it’s quiet and sad, when they come back the city comes alive,” said Nancy Carlson, retired Ball State professor and member of the Riverside Normal Neighborhood Association’s events committee.
Carlson said the event was necessary for students, specifically freshmen, who may not know what the Village has to offer.
The idea of the $2 tour, she said, came from the Indiana State Fair’s $2 Tuesdays special, where every vendor must sell something for $2.
The event also marked the opening of Lash Boutique, a new store that took the place of Juniper, which closed its doors over the summer.
“We just opened today so it’s a good opportunity to bring in new customers, and I think it’s doing phenomenally so far,” said Sylvia Hudson, owner of the new boutique. Hudson said the event helped attract a lot of foot traffic to her store.
Around 20 businesses took part in the event which also showcased live music and opportunities to win prizes.
“I didn’t know that there were this many businesses down here I’ve only been here one other time,” said Hali Campbell, a transfer student who attended the event to meet new people and learn a little more about Muncie.
Derek Edwards, owner of White Rabbit Used Books, said the event brought in a lot of good publicity for his nearly-30-year-old store. He said he was happy about the event being organized and was excited for the upcoming academic year.
