By Katy Maggart—
MUNCIE, IN—The Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce will add the Bicentennial Ball, a signature celebration honoring the 200th anniversary of Delaware County, to its lineup of events next year.
The Horizon Convention Center will host the festivities Saturday, January 30, 2027, in downtown Muncie, bringing together community leaders, businesses, residents and friends of Delaware County for a memorable evening celebrating the county’s history, its people and its future.
“The Bicentennial Ball is an opportunity to recognize the people, businesses, organizations and traditions that have shaped Delaware County over the past 200 years,” said Elizabeth Rowray, CEO of the Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce. “Just as importantly, it gives us a chance to celebrate the possibilities ahead. This is our community’s story, and we want everyone to feel a part of it as we honor our history and look toward the next 200 years.”
The Bicentennial Ball will combine the elegance of a special community gala with the spirit and stories that make Delaware County unique. Guests will enjoy an evening featuring live music and dancing with Endless Summer Band, a special historic program and video celebrating the county’s 200-year legacy, and an art auction highlighting creativity and local talent.
The event is part of the broader Delaware County Bicentennial celebration, which recognizes the county’s establishment in 1827 and the people, accomplishments and shared experiences that have helped define the region. The Ball is designed to be both a festive social occasion and a meaningful tribute to the community’s enduring character.
“The Bicentennial Ball brings together so many things that make this community special: our history, our arts, our businesses and the people who continue to invest in Delaware County,” said Katy Maggart, Director of Membership and Marketing for the Chamber. “We’re creating an evening that will be entertaining, memorable and worthy of this once-in-a-generation milestone. We also see it as a wonderful opportunity for local businesses to show their community pride and be part of something that will be remembered for years to come.”
The Bicentennial Ball is being organized by a committee representing business, philanthropy, higher education, tourism, the arts and the local hospitality community. Committee members include Elizabeth Rowray, Katy Maggart and Sami Farmer of the Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce; Susan Brumley of Ball Brothers Foundation; Stephanie Arrington, Chief of Staff of Ball State University; Scott Smalstig of Intersection; LaShanta Vaughn of the Horizon Convention Center; Lena Reid of Destination: Muncie; Anna King-Cross of Blu Atelier Consulting; Nancy Perry of Yorktown Town Council; and Amanda Holmquist of the Muncie Downtown Development Partnership. Together, the committee is working to create an event that reflects the community’s shared pride in its history and its commitment to the future.
The Ball will also be an endorsed event of the Delaware County Bicentennial Steering Committee, further connecting the celebration to the countywide commemoration of its 200th anniversary. The Steering Committee is co-chaired by Marcy Minton of the Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Tania Said of the Muncie Arts and Culture Council, and Karen Vincent of the Delaware County Historical Society. The endorsement reflects the Ball’s role in bringing the community together to recognize Delaware County’s history, celebrate its accomplishments and inspire the next generation.
Community participation and support are central to the success of the Bicentennial Ball. Individual tickets are $125 per person, and table purchases offer businesses, organizations and groups an opportunity to attend together. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for organizations interested in demonstrating their commitment to Delaware County and gaining visibility as part of this historic celebration.
“Celebrating 200 years is about more than looking back. It’s about recognizing the stories, creativity and community spirit that connect us, and the legacy we want to leave for those who come next,” said Sami Farmer, Community Engagement Coordinator for the Chamber. “From the historic program and video to the art auction, live music and dancing, the Bicentennial Ball will offer something special for everyone attending. We hope people will join us in celebrating where we’ve been and imagining what the next 200 years can hold.”
The Chamber recognizes the generous early support of the event’s sponsors. Ball State University and Intersection are supporting the Bicentennial Ball at the Diamond Level ($10,000). The Delaware County Historical Society’s Bicentennial Steering Committee and Destination: Muncie are supporting the event at the Gold Level ($5,000).
Additional sponsorship opportunities remain available for businesses and organizations interested in supporting the celebration. The Chamber encourages companies, community groups and individuals to purchase tables, invite clients and colleagues, and participate in an evening that honors the people and institutions that have helped shape Delaware County over two centuries.
Event: The Bicentennial Ball
Date: Saturday, January 30, 2027
Location: Horizon Convention Center, downtown Muncie, Indiana
Individual Tickets: $125 per person
Entertainment: Live music and dancing featuring Endless Summer Band
Program Highlights: Historic program and art auction
Sponsors: Ball State University and Intersection (Diamond Level, $10,000); Delaware County Historical Society’s Bicentennial Steering Committee and Destination: Muncie (Gold Level, $5,000)
Sponsorships and Tables: Available through the Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce
For information about individual tickets, table purchases, sponsorship opportunities and event details, contact the Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce.
The Chamber invites the entire community to be part of this landmark celebration, honoring 200 years of Delaware County history while building excitement for the next chapter.
About the Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce works to advance the economic vitality and quality of life of the Muncie–Delaware County region by connecting businesses, supporting community partnerships and championing opportunities for growth and development.
The post Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce Announces Bicentennial Ball Celebrating 200 Years of Delaware County appeared first on Muncie Journal.
