The format of this year’s Mifflin Block Party will soon take shape, according to city officials who said Thursday that the biggest variable is whether the event will find a sponsor next week’s deadline.
Having a sponsor will enable the block party obtain a street use permit, allowing for portable toilets and food vendors on the street.
One possible candidate is All-Star Catering from Hudson. Although All-Star expressed interest and has sponsored from previous Mifflin events, it has yet to apply for this year’s party.
If the event does not find a sponsor, the city could consider amending its vending policy and let vendors sell food.
Unlike at last year’s block party and in accordance with open container laws, police will prohibit alcohol sale and consumption in the street this year, with or without food vendors.
According to Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, the city is trying to prepare for the inevitable party on Mifflin.
He said part of that includes listening to student and resident input.
“It is quite exciting to have such a diverse group of folks involved…particularly college students [who] have never been involved…on working with the city on something like this,” Verveer said. “It’s better to work with students, who are the main consumers of the event, than to work against them.”
Interested students and Mifflin neighborhood residents are encouraged to attend the March 22 planning meeting at the Madison Senior Center at 7 p.m.
