For the first time in its 42-year history, open containers will likely be allowed at the historic Mifflin Street Block Party.
UW-Madison students hold the annual beer bash as the school year draws to a close. The party began in 1969 as an anti-Vietnam War protest, and has continued despite occasional attempts by police to shut it down.
The festival, to be held on April 30 this year, has two new sponsors: the Majestic Live and Capitol Neighborhoods Inc., the latter of which is applying for a beer permit for the event. If granted, it would allow of-age party goers to drink openly within the party confines: the 400 and 500 blocks of West Mifflin and the 10 and 100 blocks of North Bassett.
In the past, the most frequently issued fine at the party has been for open containers, says Ald. Mike Verveer, who represents the district. He supports granting the permit, saying that without a sponsor, "there would be no live entertainment, no food vendors and not even any porta-potties."
