The only potential sponsor for the Mifflin Street Block Party retracted its application to sponsor the event Tuesday, leaving Madison to plan the event on its own.
City Alcohol Policy Coordinator Mark Woulf said All-Star Catering submitted a street-use permit application Monday, which would have made the company the party’s sponsor. At a city staff meeting Tuesday, the company withdrew its sponsorship plans.
“We’re not exactly sure what that means for the city at this point other than we know we’re kind of on our own,” Woulf said.
Sponsors typically secure a street-use permit, which the city needs to close Mifflin street off from traffic and allow vendors and port-a-potties on city streets and sidewalks.
Now, Woulf said the city will continue preparing for the inevitable block party on May 5 without a sponsor’s help.
“Due to the timing and the fact that we’re less than two months away from the event itself ... we’re assuming there won’t be an official sponsor,” Woulf said.
Although there is currently not a sponsor, according to Woulf, Mayor Paul Soglin said food vendors and port-a-potties are necessary at the event.
According to Woulf, Soglin encouraged the Mifflin planning group, comprised of students, city officials and neighborhood residents, to minimize the focus of alcohol consumption by creating a theme and planning activities at the event.
“I will continue to work on behalf of the mayor with that group to try and develop [themes and activities] in the lead-up to the event whether or not there’s a sponsor,” Woulf said.
