The Mid-City New Year’s Eve bonfire has been a partially kept secret for quite some time, likely because everybody knew if it became too big, it would be shut down. Certainly among writers I knew, writing about it was verboten. That has become a moot point because the city is now taking steps to stop the bonfire from happening. There will be an “informational session” hosted by the NOPD, NOFD and Parks and Parkways Monday at 6:30 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church (3700 Canal St.). Based on the efforts of people to challenge the decision, it sounds like the occasion will be used to inform people why playing with fire is dangerous, and that the decision has been made.

If it’s really done, that will be truly sad because for a decade or so, it has been the most remarkably odd and alive way to ring in the new year. Still, the interesting thing is how the event’s history likely undercuts the city’s fears. Year after year, people have built a bonfire with their Christmas trees on the neutral grounds, and year after year the fire stays put until it has burned down significantly, when the fire truck on hand puts it out. Year after year, people drink beer and champagne and run around the fire without falling in. Year after year, people shoot off fireworks without putting eyes out right, left and center. In short, for all the presumption of danger that we will likely be informed of, little has happened.