At the end of February, we were summoned to a meeting at City Hall where the 2011 Mifflin Street Block Party was discussed. At the meeting it became evident that the city's enthusiasm for the Mifflin Street Block Party was beginning to wane. Ald. Mike Verveer, District-4, who always had the students' interests in the front of his mind, brought us to that meeting to ask that we consider sponsoring the block. If we didn't sponsor the event, no one else would.
What we've learned since is that the amount of planning that goes on for this event at City Hall is the equivalent to the city endorsing it. From street closures to trash removal to street barricades to security and safety, the planning that goes into hosting this event is epic. Almost every city agency seemingly has a role to play in this event from police to fire, streets, parks, city attorney, etc.
So we began to look at how we could do this. Ticketing the event was never considered. We stated that if we were going to become involved, we needed to allow open containers on the street and sell beer. Not only would this make Mifflin a better party, but through the sale of beer we are hoping to cover our costs and, yes, hopefully make a little bit of money too—we are a business after all.
As we are a business that is widely supported by UW-Madison, our involvement had to be looked at as a positive by all of you, and we think that when all is said and done, it will be. Because we aren't taking anything away from Mifflin, we are simply adding to it.
We all have Capitol Neighborhoods to thank for that. They volunteered to take out the beer license for the street. We couldn't be happier to have Capitol Neighborhoods as our partner in this year's event. If it were not for them, we would not be able to sell beer at all. We know they are tremendously excited to be a part of the block party as well.
We've read a lot of misinformation being spread, particularly in the comments section of both student newspapers. This is not a conspiracy, it's a block party. This is not and will never become Freakfest, it is Mifflin Street.
As long as the Majestic is involved with Mifflin Street, it will never be gated or ticketed. If we can't make the finances work with the selling of beer and food vending permits, we'll simply stop getting involved.
The Majestic and Capitol Neighborhoods will not enforce what can and cannot be consumed on the street. If anyone else does, they are not affiliated with the Majestic or Capitol Neighborhoods.
The beer we are selling is what has allowed us to become involved. We are hoping that all of the students decide that they like stages and music, port-a-potty's, food, and the freedom to be on the street with a beer, and decide to support us. It costs thousands of dollars to put this event on, and we hope we cover our costs so that we can continue to be a part of it, which hopefully means the party is better for everyone.
To repeat and reiterate: We are not trying to ruin Mifflin or over commercialize it. We're trying to provide the structure the city needs to allow the party the students want.
