For Immediate Release

Record Breaking TYBTWD

MADISON, Wis. (May 26, 2017) - With over 27,000 brats sold at Take Your Brat to Work Day between 6am-9am and over 6,000 brats delivered by Eat Street, we had a record breaking morning. The rain did not slow down the crowds, as the brat sales continued to sky rocket throughout the afternoon.

The island was rocking all day with artists like Bobaflex, Bucky Covington and Hawk Nelson. To top off the night, we had the Grandfather of Funk on the Grand Stage. George Clinton and his 17-piece band had Willow Island feeling the "funk" the second he took the stage. 

The second annual Maggie Award was awarded to John Kraak. The Maggie Award is named after Margaret Metcalfe, wife of Tom Metcalfe, the founder of Brat Fest. This award is given to someone who enriches the community through their selfless devotion to the charities that they support. John Kraak is a volunteer for the Dane County Humane Society who has donated 6,500 hours of his time since 2006. He also spends countless hours on Willow Island, year after year, contributing to Brat Fest.

"We could not have asked for a better day to kick off Brat Fest. Thanks to the community and our great volunteers, we were able to beat our Take Your Brat to Work Day Record from last year. As the day went on, it only got better with great events and musical acts," said Brat Fest's very own Brat Man, Tim Metcalfe.

We have another great day ahead of us tomorrow including the Bratteyball Tournament, 5k and 10k Bun Run, Ultrazone Laser Tag, and performances by Queenryche and Everclear to close out the evening. And of course, brats will be cooking all day long. Coming up on Saturday, May 27 (9:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.):

• Bun Run/Walk 8:30 a.m.
• Bratteyball Tournament 9 a.m.
• Sports Zone 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Hometown Heroes 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• ​Patrick's Petting Zoo 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Ultrazone Laser Tag 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Kids Art Zone 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Kids Zone 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Carnival 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Compassion Experience 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Vietnam Memorial 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Free Live Music 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Doggie Day Care 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• UW Marching Band & Bucky 1 to 2 p.m.
• Queensryche 6 p.m.
• Tommy Award 6:45 p.m.
• Everclear 8 p.m.

About The World's Largest Brat Fest
Brat Fest has been held every Memorial Day weekend since 1983 as a fundraiser for local charities that help staff the event and has grown to support over 100 non-profits today.  Tom and Margaret Metcalfe held the very first Brat Fest in front of their Madison, Wis., family-owned grocery store, Metcalfe's Market, with a  22” Weber Grill, a table and three chairs as a way to say "thank you" to their customers. In 2001, Johnsonville came on-board as the "official brat" for the Festival. And in 2005, Brat Fest outgrew Metcalfe's parking lot and moved to Willow Island at the Alliant Energy Center. Over 35 years after its small parking lot start, the still-family-friendly Brat Fest features over 100 free musical acts, free parking, free admission, fireworks, a carnival and of course, brats – with more than $1.75 million donated to local charities since 1983.  For a complete list of Brat Fest programming, events, and highlights, visit www.bratfest.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat (@bratfest).

Produced by Metcalfe's Market
Metcalfe's Market is a local, family-owned grocery store with two locations in Madison (Hilldale and West Towne), and one in the Village in Wauwatosa. Celebrating 100 years this year, Metcalfe's has led the way in environmental practices. From creating a local food miles program featuring nearly 4,000 local foods to 100 percent green power and composting, Metcalfe's Market is committed to a more sustainable Wisconsin. For more information on Metcalfe's Market, visit www.shopmetcalfes.com or follow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (@MetcalfesMarket).

Presented by Johnsonville Sausage
Wisconsin-based Johnsonville Sausage is the No. 1 national brand of bratwurst, Italian sausage, smoked-cooked links and fresh breakfast sausage links. Johnsonville employs approximately 1,600 members. Each member takes ownership of product quality to ensure the excellence and "Big Flavor" of Johnsonville Sausage. Founded in 1945 by Ralph F. and Alice Stayer, the company remains privately owned today. www.johnsonville.com
 

###