May 07. 2009 2:00AM - Last modified: March 14. 2012 12:23PM

Brat Fest to attempt new world record

  

The 2009 Johnsonville World's Largest Brat Fest will kick off Friday May 22 at 10:00 a.m. at Willow Island at the Alliant Energy Center, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way in Madison. The event will go through Memorial Day weekend and end Monday, May 25 at 6 p.m. Organizers of the event will try to rally brat lovers to break the current world record of 191,712 brats sold in a single event, set at the festival in 2008.

"This event has helped kick off the summer grilling season for nearly 30 years," said Tim Metcalfe, owner of Metcalfe Sentry Foods in Wauwatosa and son of the founder of the Johnsonville Brat Fest. "This is a great opportunity for our community to come together, support one another and kick off the summer in a fun way."

Proceeds from the event will benefit more than 95 local groups and charities.

"This year more than ever, we know how important the funds raised during our event will be for various groups in the area, we are looking forward to the opportunity to help in an important way," Metcalfe said. 

To help the festival in meeting its goal of grilling and selling more than 200,000 brats in four days, the Johnsonville Big Taste Grill, which weighs 53,000 lbs and measures 63 feet in length, and is able to grill nearly 800 brats at a time will be on hand for the festivities.

"We're thrilled to be helping brat-lovers across the country kick off this year's grilling season with the Johnsonville World's Largest Brat Fest," said Ryan Pociask, Johnsonville brand manager. "Bringing family and friends together to enjoy great food, while creating memories and giving back to the community, is a top priority for Johnsonville. This even is a perfect fit for our company."

Brats will be sold for $1.50 at the event.


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