Five Years of Fire Up Through the Eyes of a Volunteer
Valerie Helms-Mejia, right, volunteers at the information booth at Fire Up DWNTWN
Since the very first Fire Up DWNTWN, Valerie Helms-Mejia has helped bring the event to life.
She has volunteered during each of the event’s five years and plans to return again this year. From early-morning setup to assisting with hot air balloon attractions, Valerie has seen firsthand how much work goes into Fire Up and how rewarding it is to be part of the team behind it.
For Valerie, the decision to volunteer began with a desire to support the place she calls home.
“I love this community, and I try to help out as much as I can,” Valerie said. “Volunteering for Fire Up was another way for me to get involved and give back.”
Over the years, that experience has become about much more than lending a hand. Valerie has come to appreciate the strong sense of community that fills downtown throughout the event.
“One of my favorite things is seeing so many people I know out having a good time,” she said. “There’s such a great community feel, and it’s rewarding to be part of something that brings everyone together.”
A busy day behind the scenes
For Valerie, Fire Up begins well before the crowds arrive.
She arrives early to help staff the information desk for her Psi Iota Xi group, which oversees that area during the event. Around 4 p.m., another volunteer takes over so she can join the Muncie Sunrise Rotary Club and help with the two tethered hot air balloon rides.
Supporting the hot air balloon attractions has become one of her favorite volunteer assignments.
“I love getting to see people’s reactions,” Valerie said. “There’s so much excitement around the balloons, and it’s fun to watch people experience them.”
The day can be long and busy, but Valerie said the energy of the event and the response from the community make the effort worthwhile.
“There is always a lot going on, but at the end of the day, it is worth it,” she said.
Seeing the event reach new heights
Having volunteered since Fire Up began, Valerie has had a front-row seat to its growth.
She believes approximately 17,000 people attended last year, a number that reflects how much the event has expanded and how strongly the community has embraced it.
“It has been amazing to watch Fire Up grow,” Valerie said. “More and more people continue to come each year, and I love seeing that growth.”
For Valerie, every returning visitor and new face is a reminder that the work happening behind the scenes is making an impact.
“Seeing so many people downtown enjoying themselves makes the long day worth it,” she said.
A volunteer experience that feels valued
Valerie encourages anyone considering volunteering to give it a try. In addition to supporting one of downtown’s largest events, volunteers have the opportunity to reconnect with people they know and meet new members of the community.
“It’s a great way to see familiar faces and potentially meet new ones, too,” she said. “You get to be around people who are excited to be there and help create a positive experience for them.”
She also appreciates the way the Downtown Muncie team includes volunteers in the event’s continued development.
“The team really listens to what volunteers have to say,” Valerie said. “If we make a suggestion for the following year, they make sure it is addressed. It makes you feel like your feedback and your role truly matter.”
After five years, Valerie is looking forward to returning once again and helping welcome thousands of visitors to downtown Muncie.
This year, volunteers are still needed for the DWNTWN Duck Drop Crew and event tear-down. Whether you have a few hours to spare or want to experience Fire Up from a new perspective, volunteering is a great way to support the community while meeting new people along the way. Ready to join Valerie and the rest of the volunteer team? Sign up to volunteer here.