Talking Bratwursts and Small Business at Madison’s Brat Fest

If you were in Madison, WI, this weekend there’s no doubt you would have heard about the World’s Largest Brat Fest. Taking place every Memorial Day since 1983, Brat Fest attracts huge crowds that buy more than 209,376 lbs of Brats, all in the name of charity. Because Madison’s considered the Brat capital of the world — and because, obviously, we’re huge Brat fans ourselves — the Google Places Madison crew teamed up with Hybrid Fitness to present the second annual Brat Fest Boot Camp.

More than 100 people braved the elements over the course of three days to participate in military-style training at the Alliant Energy Center, and more than $2,000 was raised for the American Family Children’s Hospital right here in Madison.

During and after the training, we talked with Brat Fest attendees about Google’s activities in Madison, including helping business owners claim their Place pages and encouraging users to review and share their favorite Brat spots with friends. We met with so many great people, all excited to hear about Google’s presence in Wisconsin, and handed out special Google t-shirts, pens and key chains.

A big thank you to Tim Metcalfe, and the entire Metcalfe family, who tirelessly organize Brat Fest year after year!

Posted by Katy Morgan-Davies, Madison business specialist