As the Mifflin Street Block Party approaches, residents of the street are preparing for a heavy police presence on their block.
Gabe Horstick, a UW-Madison senior who lives at 518 W. Mifflin St., is one of many students having a party Saturday. He said he is not worried about problems with police and that he does not expect police to try to curb the heavy drinking that is common at the event.
To give tickets for that is like handing out tickets at the Indy 500 for speeding,\ Horstick said. ""It's irrational.""
A 225-pound pig roast, music and an ‘Uber Tap' promotion will be part of the festivities at Horstick's house Saturday.
""We plan on having a party and keeping everything under control,"" Horstick said.
Senior resident Meghan Peters, who resides at 535 W. Mifflin St., said she has not thought about preparations for the festivities yet. She said police walked the block last week talking to residents and promising a relaxed law enforcement attitude during the party. According to police, house parties that remain under control will not be busted.
UW-Madison senior Michael Bailen and his nine roommates received a ticket during Halloween for distributing alcohol to minors. Bailen said he and his friends are going to attempt to keep their Mifflin celebration limited to friends.
""We're trying to have it [for] just friends but we also tried that for Halloween and it got kind of out of hand,"" Bailen said.
Bailen and his roommates were told if they keep the activities confined to their house without people drinking on the sidewalk, they should not expect a ticket.
""We're going with the impression that they are going to be hardcore because we just don't want to get tickets again,"" Bailen said. ""And I know they were telling us a second violation is a criminal charge.""
Bailen said he and his roommates are also concerned about unknown partiers relieving themselves on their front lawn and hope police will prevent displays of public urination.
Ryan Well, a resident of 448 W. Mifflin St., said he would lock up his house and party elsewhere on Saturday. His house received thousands of dollars in tickets at last year's party and his landlord offered tenants a month of free rent in return for keeping the house party-free.
But Horstick said he would take his chances, adding that he expects the party to run smoothly.
""I think it's going to be a fun time so long as no one acts crazy or does anything violent or stupid,"" Horstick said.
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