More than 20,000 revelers are expected to attend this year's Mifflin Street Block Party. This means the Madison Police Department will be out in force. While the city has not come up with the number of police officers that will be out, last year there were approximately 70 police officers patrolling the street.
Traditionally, the Mifflin Street Block Party is a time to celebrate the end of the school year and booze it up with friends. This combination could lead to a dangerous weekend, so please be careful.
The block party has a storied history with roots in Madison's revolutionary past. But over time, the evolution of the party has sent revelers indoors, making the party a somewhat more dangerous place to be. This week a man was convicted for a second-degree sexual assault that occurred at last year's Mifflin Street Block Party. Keeping this in mind, keep an eye out for your friends.
Back in 1996, a group of party-goers started riots during the celebration. All it takes is one unthoughtful person to start a fight or a car-flipping to cause the party to turn into a danger zone.
The main piece of advice we have for you is to obey the police. We've seen what happens when partiers get out of hand and police can no longer handle the crowd. We don't want a repeat of Halloween.
We want you to go out and have fun this weekend, enjoy the sun, beer and the company of your friends. But we urge you all to be benevolent toward each other. Keep in mind that with that many people out in force, Mifflin Street could very easily turn chaotic.
With that said, have the time of your life. This may prove to be a legendary Mifflin Street Block Parties, which you will tell your children about.
