With the holidays right around the corner, Muncie’s Minnetrista Museums and Gardens kicked off its annual Enchanted Luminaria Walk Dec. 6. This event had three miles of lights, live music and an artist market where visitors can support local small businesses, according to the Minnetrista’s website.
When guests first walk into Minntrista, they are greeted with the smell of fresh kettle corn, crackling of a bonfire and laughter and smiles from workers and other guests. As guests make their way through the three miles of string Christmas lights, they will see an array of lights with photo ops for their pictures to make memories with their friends and families.
This free event is held Dec. 6 and Dec. 7 from 5 p.m.- 9 p.m. There are a multitude of events for everyone from live shows of “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” meet and greets with Christmas characters and live music performances from bands such as; America's Hometown Band Jazz Ensemble, The Wesley Family, Blackford County Schools Blue Felt Jazz Band.
The Minnetrista market hosted 15 local vendors selling their products. One of the businesses that was there was black-owned, Danielle’s popcorn, which sells different types of popcorn.
Au'lise Bailfour, a Ball State student, and Chole Jernijn, who were working the booth, shared their thoughts about how events like this benefit the community of Muncie.
“I honestly feel like, because we're all from Muncie, and still understand there are successful businesses that can come from Munice, you can be anybody that has a real idea,” Balfour said.
Another business owner, Lisa Douglas, who sells dog treats at Doggie-O Delights, said this year was her first time at the luminaria walk but that she has been closely connected to the indoor Minnetrista market for three years. She thinks events like this help the community by encouraging people to shop local.
“It allows [consumers] to go through and actually figure out what's all available [in the community] and shop local,” Douglas said.
Right next door to the market,hot chocolate and snacks were being sold. While people were enjoying their snacks and warming up, they were able to watch a live painter paint “Happy Little Winter Scene.”
Sarah and Connor Million, two community members enjoying the festivities, market and lights shared their experiences throughout the evening.
“I think it's just a nice way to bring everybody together. It's a free event, so you don't have to spend any money if you don't want to, which makes it really accessible for everybody,” Sarah said.
Contact Shelby Anderson via email at sanderson9@bsu.edu.
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