Thousands of people gathered for the annual Mifflin Street Block Party in Madison, Wisconsin, resulting in a vibrant but crowded scene where one car was flipped over and another damaged. The Madison Police Department reported that this year’s event was the largest since the pandemic, with shoulder-to-shoulder crowds packing the 400 and 500 blocks of Mifflin Street on Saturday. The large turnout necessitated the closure of these blocks to vehicular traffic for the majority of the day.
To manage the significant crowds, the Madison Police Department deployed over 150 officers. This included the Special Events Team, trained in crowd control, and the Mounted Patrol, further assisting in maintaining order. Officers actively enforced city ordinances, reminding attendees of open container laws and monitoring porch and balcony overcrowding to ensure safety. Despite the large numbers, officers were quick to respond to various situations, including individuals climbing trees, whom they safely assisted back to the ground.
Massive crowds fill Mifflin Street for the annual Mifflin Street Block Party in Madison, Wisconsin.
Around 2:35 p.m., Madison Fire Department personnel responded to a call at 527 W. Mifflin Street where a front porch had partially collapsed. While the exact number of people on the porch at the time remains unknown, fortunately, no injuries were reported. Authorities cordoned off the property to prevent further incidents.
Shortly after, at approximately 2:40 p.m., a more significant incident occurred. Police were required to clear backyards along the 500 block of Mifflin Street after a car was flipped onto its roof by attendees. In the same area, another vehicle sustained damage. Remarkably, no injuries were reported in connection to either car incident.
A car flipped over by attendees at the Mifflin Street Block Party, highlighting an incident involving a car at the event.
During the afternoon, first responders were also alerted to a downed power line. Upon investigation, this was identified as a low-voltage communications wire and posed no immediate danger. As the afternoon progressed, crowds began to diminish, particularly around 5:40 p.m. when rain entered the area. Roads were fully reopened to traffic by approximately 5:45 p.m.
Despite the large crowds and isolated incidents, law enforcement managed to maintain control throughout the event. Over 80 arrests were made, predominantly for minor alcohol-related offenses. Six individuals were booked into the Dane County Jail. Authorities indicated that further citations may be issued, with final arrest figures to be released in the following week.
Madison Police Department officers navigate through the large crowds at the Mifflin Street Block Party to ensure public safety and manage the event.
In a separate incident, a Madison Police officer sustained minor injuries while working a traffic post. She was struck by a vehicle but remained conscious and alert. Emergency Medical Services transported her to a local hospital for evaluation. The driver involved in the incident remained at the scene and was issued several citations following an investigation. Overall, while the Mifflin Street Block Party saw high attendance and some incidents, including property damage involving cars, it was managed by a significant police presence with mostly minor outcomes.
