The Mifflin Street Block Party started out as a protest to the Vietnam War in 1969 and has evolved into a nationally acclaimed event on the outskirts of the UW-Madison campus.
But, in recent years it has turned almost completely upside down due to the presence of raging music and alcohol, coupled with a backlash of police enforcement.
In the 1970s, Mifflin became well known for its charity fundraisers and political awareness. In fact, the event saw several police riots in its first few years. However, toward the end of the '80s and early '90s, the primary sponsor of the event—the Mifflin Street Co-op—backed out due to liability issues.
The scene once decorated in protest quickly became the drunkfest it is known as today.
According to alder Mike Verveer, whose district encompasses Mifflin Street, the block party has been seen as a peaceful event ever since 1996 when a riot ensued. He has held annual neighborhood meetings for students and police.
On page 7, The Daily Cardinal interviewed residents of three houses on Mifflin. Their tales of last year's affair echo those of many before them. While some revel in their good memories, others tell tales laden with tickets and thousands of dollars in fines.
