Brat Fest 2011

Politics is part of the World's Largest Brat Fest in Madison this weekend.

It is unbelievably lame.

The great Wisconsin company, Johnsonville, is a major sponsor of the annual charitable event.

Some INDIVIDUALS connected to the business made contributions to Governor Scott Walker. Johnsonville, did NOT.

Nonetheless, the people who hate Walker decided to target Johnsonville. Boycotting the company's products includes boycotting the annual Brat Fest.

Of course, Brat Fest's success translates into charitable aid.

To the Walker-haters, punishing Johnsonville is more important than raising money for charities.

What self-centered people!

Politics and personal gain before all else.

From Channel 3000:

After weeks of protests at the State Capitol over a budget repair bill that would strip most state workers of most collective bargaining rights, you'd think a gathering that's primary focus centers around a Wisconsin staple would be welcomed.

But nowadays, politics can hang a cloud over even one of Madison's most talked about events.

Residents were making choices, go to the World's Largest Brat Fest like you may have done for as long as you can remember, or go get your bratwurst somewhere else.

"We tried the one on the Capitol Square, but the lines were too long, so we came to this one," said Jim Hollar, who attended Wurst Times event. "I wanted to avoid the one at the Alliant Energy Center."

"I guess it's kind of protest against Scott Walker and this is a way to show it," said Roger Bass.

"It seems kind of silly in the sense that it is guilty by association, but we wanted to avoid (Brat Fest)," Hollar said.

Those at the People Brat Fest didn't see it as silly, but rather a chance to draw connections to Johnsonville, a main sponsor of Brat Fest, and a company linked politically to the governor.

"I definitely oppose Walker and this seemed like a better way to support Madison rather than a big corporation," said Tom Ver Hoeve.

The event on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard was billed as a Brat Fest alternative and those who were willing to wait for long lines were toting their opinions along with hunger.

Ver Hoeve said he preferred the downtown location because it felt more like a Madison event and he said it was nice knowing that proceeds would also benefit local charities.

...There is a fourth event will compete with Brat Fest on Sunday. Alt Bratfest will be held at Orton Park on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. It's being held by the Weary Traveler Freehouse. Proceeds will also go to local charities.

Brat Fest organizers insist the alternative options have not had any impact.

"The turnout has been fantastic," Metcalfe said.

One thing we can say without debate is that each and every brat eaten this weekend will raise money for local charities and that generosity is what makes Madison such a great place to live.

It's great to hear that the politicized brat sideshows aren't impacting the main event.

As for the protest events, their organizers claim proceeds will go to local charities. So, that's good, too.

It's too bad that some people harbor so much hatred for Governor Walker that they refuse to support the annual event just because some of the INDIVIDUALS connected to Johnsonville made political contributions to Walker.

It's lunacy. It's so extreme.

In short, it's Madison.

Here's video: