Observatory Drive traffic to be limited for festival

The Wisconsin High School Forensic Association State Speech Festival will be held on campus Friday-Saturday, April 15-16.

Thousands of students from around the state will compete in the event, which will take place in 15 buildings on or near Bascom Hill. The festival headquarters will be in Bascom Hall.

Because there will be many additional pedestrians and school buses in the area, traffic on Observatory Drive will be limited to one-way westbound between Park and Charter streets from mid-afternoon to 10 p.m. on Friday, April 15, and from 8 a.m. to approximately 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 16.

During those time periods, access to Bascom Hill parking lots 9, 10 and 11 will be from North Park Street only. When leaving the lots, drivers will need to turn left toward Charter Street.

Now in its 109th year, the WHSFA is the oldest association of its kind in the United States. It provides opportunities for middle- and high-school students to enhance their communication skills through participation in theater, debate and speech activities.