Sara Zurn, Campus Writer
Although the Mifflin Street block party has commenced every year on the first Saturday in May since 1969, this year’s bash featured a number of firsts.
It was the first year that police and city officials decided to ban parking on the street for the day of the party to decrease foot traffic congestion and the temptation for vandalism.
It was also the first year that the city of Madison Police Department received uncompensated assistance from the University of Wisconsin Police Department and the Dane County Sheriff’s Department in maintaining order.
And it was the first year since the 1996, the year the party ended in a violent riot, that students milled on the sidewalks and street with open containers of alcoholic beverages.
Madison police were particularly wary of the party following the riot that erupted on State Street on Halloween 2002.
Lt. Mary Schauf of the Central District of Madison Police headed a special task force that devised a strategy for police presence on Mifflin separate from other day-to-day police work. Capts. John Davenport and Luis Yudice met frequently with community leaders to coordinate an agreeable plan for operating at the Saturday get-together.
Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, said Saturday reminded him of the 1996 party in the large crowd size, beautiful weather and relaxed police attitude.
“In planning meetings I had with cops, I really begged police to promote a laid-back atmosphere,” Verveer said.
Verveer said the police presence on Mifflin was a decent balance between the “police state” imposed during the 2002 U.S. Conference of Mayors in Madison and the lack of officers on duty during the 2002 Halloween riots.
“Having the police there was necessary,” said Jose Sanchez, a University of Wisconsin freshman. “Then people knew things would not get out of hand. We even took pictures with them.”
UW sophomore Mark Dewitz said the police acted appropriately and tactfully entered situations when needed.
“The cop presence was there when necessary,” Dewitz said. “It was a relaxed atmosphere, and the people there were civilized.”
Small crowds started to form in the early afternoon, walking up and down the traditional two blocks of Mifflin Street where the party is centered with nearly each house participating in the party. Several of the houses hired live bands or DJs to play on their porches until 8:30 p.m.
The evening did not finish without some trouble. One partier injuring his head while trying to climb a second-floor balcony.
In the midst of 30,000 revelers, police made a handful of arrests and gave 26 citations. At least one creative underager, penalized by officers, took up a charity fund to raise money and pay off his ticket.
The party traditionally takes place before finals, as a chance for students to relax, hang out and listen to music while enjoying their time under sunny skies and warm weather.
“I liked [the Mifflin Street block party] more than Halloween,” said Sanchez. “Halloween had one reason: costumes, where the block party is more college-like being one huge party during the day with bands.”
However, the block party, like Halloween, originated as a campus event but has now spread to include other college students, friends, adults, protesters, television crews and Mayor Dave Cieslewicz.
“My favorite part was that I saw so many people I knew, not just from Madison, but from across the state,” said Natynski. “20,000 of my closest friends and the mayor — what else could you ask for the weekend before finals?”