Brat Fest

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Brat Fest tent

Brat Fest is an annual festival held in Madison, Wisconsin, celebrating the bratwurst, a type of German sausage. The event is typically held over the Memorial Day weekend and is known for being one of the largest bratwurst festivals in the world.

History

Brat Fest was founded in 1983 by Tom Metcalfe, who started the event as a small cookout in the parking lot of his grocery store, Metcalfe's Market. Over the years, the festival grew significantly, attracting thousands of visitors and becoming a major community event in Madison.

Event Activities

Brat Fest features a variety of activities, including live music performances, carnival rides, and family-friendly games. The main attraction, however, is the bratwurst, with numerous stands offering different varieties and toppings. The festival also includes a 5K run, a brat eating contest, and various other competitions.

Charity and Community Impact

One of the key aspects of Brat Fest is its focus on charity. Proceeds from the event are donated to local non-profit organizations. Volunteers from these organizations help run the festival, and in return, their groups receive a portion of the profits. Over the years, Brat Fest has raised millions of dollars for local charities.

Records and Achievements

Brat Fest has set several records for bratwurst consumption. In 2010, the festival set a world record by selling over 209,000 brats in a single weekend. The event continues to aim for new records each year, drawing in larger crowds and increasing its charitable contributions.

Location and Accessibility

The festival is held at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, which provides ample space for the large number of attendees. The location is easily accessible by car, and there are also shuttle services available from various points in the city.

Environmental Initiatives

In recent years, Brat Fest has made efforts to become more environmentally friendly. Initiatives include recycling programs, the use of biodegradable materials, and encouraging attendees to use public transportation or carpool to the event.

Related Pages

• Bratwurst
• Madison, Wisconsin
• Memorial Day
• Alliant Energy Center
• Metcalfe's Market

See Also

• List of food festivals
• German cuisine
• Sausage