Growing Up at Minnetrista
Katy Maggart is a Muncie native and continues her life in Muncie by welcoming her newborn, Lily, into the world in late March. Her Muncie pride doesn’t stop there as she has been working for Minnetrista for 3 years as Communications Manager. Minnetrista has always been a focus in her life as her parents would take her and her sister for picnics on the lawn or Faeries, Sprites, & Lights as a young girl. Katy was interviewed with questions highlighting how she grew up in Muncie and how Minnetrista played a big role in her childhood.
Katy (pink dress) at Faeries, Sprites, & Lights.
How long have you been attending Minnetrista events?
I have visited Minnetrista since I was a little girl and have a lot of special memories! My family loved to explore the gardens, visit the Farmers Market, and attend all of the signature events. Faeries, Sprites, & Lights was an event that my sister and I looked forward to every year. We would dress up in our hand-me-down dance costumes and our mom would paint our faces with sparkles and flowers. We felt like true faeries! The gardens were, and still are, magical. Enchanted Luminaria Walk is a very special holiday tradition for our family. I love the lights, music, and holiday spirit. I would even bring friends from college home with me to attend the event. I wanted them to experience the magic of Minnetrista! While I love the large community events, some of my fondest memories are the simple times we spent together at Minnetrista.
Katy, her sister, and dad enjoying a picnic at Minnetrista.
I remember having family picnics on the lawn and playing together after we were done eating. My mom would often bring my sister and me after school to find a pretty spot to do our homework. We now enjoy a lot of the same things with our growing family. My sister and I love to bring our kids to experience the great things we did growing up. I could go on and on about all of the ways Minnetrista has contributed to my life and the life of my family. It has been a place of relaxation, play, and family memories.
What made you want to work for Minnetrista? Why Minnetrista?
Minnetrista has always been a special place to me. I have grown up experiencing the awesome things Minnetrista has to offer, so it has been really special to work there and be a part of providing those experiences for others in our community. I have always thought that Minnetrista was a special place and now that I have seen all that goes into what we do, I know it is a special place.
Katy with her husband and daughter, Lily, in front of the Oakhurst home.
Why stay in Muncie?
I am proud to be a Muncie native. I have grown up experiencing the great things our community has to offer, like Minnetrista, and I knew I wanted to be a part of that. It was very important to me to plant roots and give back to the community that has meant so much to me.
Do you see potential in Muncie and Minnetrista post-Covid?
I have seen our community come together through the difficulties of Covid and I think there is a great future for the life of our community post-Covid. Minnetrista is working hard to continue to be there for our community and provide events and programs, all while keeping our visitors and staff safe. Our grounds continue to provide a place of rest, exploration, and fun. That’s exactly what we are here for!
How do you plan on Minnetrista being part of your life/Lily’s life in the future?
I am so excited to be able to create memories with my own daughter at Minnetrista! I look forward to sharing such a place that means so much to me with my baby girl. We have already gone on family walks, visited the Farmers Market, and look forward to attending this year’s Faeries, Sprites, & Lights. I look forward to seeing her grow up at Minnetrista like I did!
