State Street (Madison)

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Located in downtown Madison, Wisconsin near the Wisconsin State Capitol, State Street hosts a variety of shops, bars and restaurants and is known for its small town appeal and street musicians and jugglers and other types of busking, making it a common tourist attraction. Like most downtown city streets, it also suffers from a homeless, vagrant, and panhandler population. The east-west street is closed off to traffic except buses, police cars, bicycles and delivery vehicles. It runs from the University of Wisconsin–Madison's Library Mall to the steps of the State Capitol.

[edit] Halloween controversy

State Street has gained recognition as a gathering place for tens of thousands of party-goers from several states on Halloween. In recent years, the celebrations have included approximately 100,000 in costume, which has become a point of contention in local government. The Halloween celebration, which lasts all weekend, has often culminated in rioting, contributing to the "wild" reputation of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The cost of additional police force, the potential of damage to local businesses, and the protection of the city's reputation have prompted the concern of Madison leaders, some of whom have suggested cancelling the event altogether. The University has also taken steps to curtail Halloween mayhem, including restrictions on guests at University residence halls during the weekend.

In the summer of 2006, Mayor Dave Cieslewicz unveiled the city's plan for Halloween events for the upcoming Halloween events on State Street. The plan at its core consists of blocking off State Street, charging five dollars for admission from select points of entry and closing off the street at midnight.[1]