Brat Days returns to Kiwanis Park in Sheboygan this weekend with a brat-eating contest, parade and more family fun.
SHEBOYGAN – Sheboygan, get ready for brats, music and more because Brat Days returns this weekend.
Kiwanis Park will host the 71st celebration of Sheboygan’s German heritage and famed bratwurst-making Aug. 2-3 after it was canceled in 2023 as a result of financial challenges. Brat Days Chairwoman Jackie Quasius told the Sheboygan Press the event had become costly for host organization, Sheboygan Jaycees, in the last decade.
The pandemic, poor weather and rising prices led to a hiatus in 2023 to “revamp” Brat Days. Johnsonville, Sargento, Budweiser, Ashley Furniture and Rockline Industries are among several sponsors this year.
Over the two days, visitors can check out live music, a family area, the Marketplace, food and drink stand, and memorabilia tent, where a No. 1 bobblehead Bratmeister will be auctioned off. Entry and live music at Brat Days are free.
"There will always be something for people to do," Quasius previously said about 2024 Brat Days. "Hopefully, it'll be a little different for people than what they've seen in the past."
Brat Days had been hosted nearly every year since 1953, with revisions, name changes and different locations.
Brat Days parade returns after trouble securing sponsor
The Brat Days parade will return to downtown Sheboygan at 9 a.m. Aug. 3. Starting at Center Avenue and North Seventh Street, the route will go north, turn left onto Erie Avenue, go south on North Eighth Street and end at Center Avenue.
The return of the parade was uncertain a few months ago because the Jaycees were still looking for sponsorship, according to Quasius.
Karaoke, cornhole and brat-eating contest planned for Saturday
The Jaycees will present the new Pre-Karaoke Idol contest from 2 to 4 p.m. Aug. 3, with cash prizes ranging from $25 to $75 for third- to first-place winners. Registration is $10 per person, and it is supported by Infinity DJ.
The event will precede the Jaycees’ second annual Karaoke Idol contest Aug. 17, which will support the Military and Youth Foundation.
Saturday will bring back the doubles cornhole tournament at 1 p.m., starting with a four-round robin that will split off into single and competitive games. Registration is $40 per team. Teams are encouraged to take their own bags, but some will be available.
A brat-eating competition will kick off at the same time. A maximum of 20 contestants can compete. Registration is $20 per person, up $5 from previous years. Participants have 10 minutes to eat as many brats as possible, without buns or condiments.
Prizes have changed for the top three winners. The third-place finisher will receive a Johnsonville merchandise gift basket and $25 worth of Brat Days tickets instead of a $150 cash prize and the second-place finisher will also receive a Johnsonville gift basket and $50 in event tickets instead of a $50 cash prize.
The Brat Eating Champion will be awarded $75 in Brat Days tickets instead of a $300 cash prize, a Johnsonville gift basket, a year's supply of Johnsonville brats, and a trophy.
Brat Days tickets can be redeemed to buy food and drinks at the event. They cannot be used for carnival rides. 10 tickets are $5.
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Live music returns each day
Live music will be free at Ashley Furniture Main Stage, under the Johnsonville Super Canopy. Friday will bring Bare Bones Blind, Pat McCurdy and Too Hype Crew to Brat Days and Saturday will bring The Dirty Martinis, Bootjack Road, Off Kilter and Two For The Show.
Charity Challenge features Lakeshore CAP and Sheboygan County Cycling
Fundraising will remain a central part of Brat Days this year, as it is typically one of the Jaycees’ largest fundraising events.
The Charity Challenge returns, offering four organizations the chance to raise funds and increase name recognition. Jars for participating groups will be placed at bar areas during the two days. Money will be divided among the organizations based on the number of volunteers given from each.
Freedom Cry, Paws Up Pet Rescue, Lakeshore Community Action Program and Sheboygan County Cycling were selected as finalists this year.
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Family fun grows with bounce houses, face painting and an egg race
Access wristbands for the family area’s dunk tank and several bounce houses and obstacle courses will be $10. The family area will also include free face painting, temporary tattoos, an egg race, bubble station, ring toss and more. The activities area is sponsored by Sargento and will be open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 3.
A carnival ride area will be open 5-11 p.m. Aug. 2 and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Aug. 3. Wristbands are $15 for accessing the carnival 5-10 p.m. on Friday and 2-5 p.m. on Saturday.
Shortened event hours for this year
Brat Days will be 4-11:30 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, according to updates on the event website.
Have a story tip? Contact Alex Garner at 224-374-2332 or [email protected]. Follow her on X (formerly Twitter) at @alexx_garner.
This article originally appeared on Sheboygan Press: Sheboygan Brat Days 2024: Parade, brat-eating contest, free admission
