MADISON, Wis. -- UW finals and partying don't mix.

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Mifflin Block Party Date Change? TALKBACK: What Do You Think? Change The Date?

That is why two student newspapers are pushing to change the date of the annual Mifflin Street block party.

For the past 35 years the Mifflin Street block party has been the first Saturday of May.

"It has always been the first Saturday in May," said Madison Police Capt. Mary Schauf. "That’s how we plan."

The party is a major event for Madison police.

This year the block party falls on May 7, the eve of UW finals.

"I think it should be where it is," said Mifflin Street resident Gabe Horstick. "But, if people change it, hey, it’s just a party."

Two student newspapers suggest the party should be moved to April 30 to avoid a conflict with finals.

"It would be extremely costly for us to change the date," said Schauf.

Last year the police costs alone were $76,000. Moving the date into April would push up the costs.

Under the union contract, officers can’t take vacation on the first Saturday of May. The policy was written to make sure the city had enough of a police presence on Mifflin Street.

"We’re bound by that memorandum of understanding," said Schauf. "We’ve already scheduled people based on the contractual provisions."

The city’s annual Crazy Legs run is also scheduled for April 30, leaving the mayor not likely to change the block party.

"Having two big events like that on the same day really does strain our ability to police them properly," said Mayor Dave Cieslewicz.

Those hosting the annual party have said it makes no difference to them which weekend the party is held.

"I think kids will maybe take the effort to study the week before and just get ready in general before the time," said Mifflin Street resident Mike Mejez.

Mejez said the students would be out regardless of the date. "It’s tradition," he said.

It's a tradition some think should give way to another spring tradition – UW finals.

TALKBACK: What Do You Think? Change The Date?