The event continued annually for the duration of the war , even though the traumatic effects of the nearby Sterling Hall bombing had a dampening effect on Madison anti-war efforts . In an attempt to control the event , the city created " Mifflin on the Mall " in 1979 with music and concessions on State Street Mall . By 1982 , however , students had once again taken to Mifflin Street . Under sponsorship from the Mifflin Co-Op , the block party was often used as a community fundraiser for various political or social causes . The co-op dropped its greater involvement in 1991 after the city requested that organizers keep alcohol within fenced-in beer gardens
Sterling Hall bombing
Sterling Hall bombing
Mifflin Street Block Party