Posted Saturday, June 28 --- 2008
UPDATED Sunday, June 29 --- 2008

BELOW: Release from MPD on this year's Rhythm and Booms.

On 6/28/08, the Rhythm and Booms event was a success. There was a short storm interruption, which shut down the event for approximately 1/2 hour during the mid-afternoon. This storm did not cause any serious damage and the event was able to resume on schedule.

There were 10 arrests at the event, which were related to youth disturbances in the Carnival Midway area of the Park. These disturbances involved large groups of youth, ages ranging from mid-teens to early twenties. There was gang posturing behavior. The Madison Police Department Special Events Team was forced to shut down the Midway, and clear the area. There were several fights leading to a total of 10 arrests including Disorderly Conduct, Battery and one individual charged with Recklessly Endangering Safety. In addition to these issues, there were 3 individuals taken to the Dane County Detox Center and a handful of citations issued.

The bulk of the event was extremely positive and the crowds were generally well-behaved. The crowd was estimated between 150,000 and 175,000 people.

Cameron McLay, Captain of Police
City of Madison Police, North District Commander

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"We got here about 11:30 this afternoon and we've got canopies and chairs, tables, cards, coolers!" says Melissa Cavanagh.

It last only about 30 minutes but people make Rhythm and Booms, the largest single day event in Wisconsin, an all day experience!

"They're the best fireworks in this area. We come from Northern Illinois and they don't get any better than this."

Fans everywhere flocked to Warner Park to get the best seat in the house. The park typically sees nearly 300,000 people who still think it's worth braving the crowds for the display set to music.

"It's something where you can look up and everywhere you see in the sky there's fireworks going on and you can turn your head side to side and there's fireworks!"

While many people were brave enough to fight through the crowds at Warner Park, others took a different approach.

"The atmosphere down here is a little different. The Union is a unique place," says Jason Brown.

The Memorial Union is a place where you can have a great view of the fireworks overlooking Lake Mendota but at the same time escape all the traffic at Warner Park.

"My parents came down here last year and marked out this good spot to watch the fireworks and so now we're back this year again to hopefully watch another night of exciting night of fireworks."

"It's just a great family tradition coming down to the Union, family tradition, great tradition throughout Wisconsin," says Brown's wife, Debra.

And whether you choose to stake out your spot all day or relax by the water in the less crowded areas, every seat is a good one.