SHEBOYGAN – Brat Days will return to Sheboygan in an abbreviated format Aug. 2.
The Sheboygan Jaycees will bring the 72nd celebration for one day to Kiwanis Park, 726 Kiwanis Park Road, after several years of reassessing the future of the event and shortening from a weekend event.
The organization canceled Brat Days in 2023 to “revamp,” facing challenges from the pandemic, poor weather and rising prices. The Jaycees reevaluated the event’s logistics, infrastructure and safety measures.
“As stewards of this historic event, we recognize the importance of Brat Days not only as a celebration but also as a reflection of our community’s values and spirit,” the Sheboygan Jaycees wrote in a Facebook announcing the return of Brat Days. “Look forward to a refreshed experience that honors our traditions while offering new delights at this annual celebration.”
Johnsonville Sausages is still among sponsors along with Rockline, Magic Car Wash, Lakeside Pepsi and others.
The event will be held rain or shine from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The Johnsonville Main Stage will have performers between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m.
Brat Days won’t have a parade this year
No Brat Days parade will be held this year. It returned to downtown last summer after the Jaycees secured a sponsor.
Cornhole tournament and brat-eating contest return
The cornhole tournament returns at noon. Teams should check in at 11 a.m. Team registration is $40, and pre-registration can be completed via the Scoreholio app.
The brat-eating contest will follow at 1 p.m.
Only 20 contestants, who must be older than 18 years old, can participate. A $20 registration fee is required. Pre-registered contestants can check in between noon and 12:30 p.m. Walk-in registration will be accepted and added to a waiting list.
Contestants will have 10 minutes to eat as many brats as possible. No buns or condiments are included in the contest.
The winner will receive a brat-eating champion trophy, a one-year supply of Johnsonville brats, a Johnsonville merchandise gift basket and $75 worth of Brat Days tickets.
The second-place finisher will receive a gift basket and $50 worth of Brat Days tickets.
The third-place finisher will receive a gift basket and $25 worth of Brat Days tickets.
Activities include bounce houses, a carnival and marketplace
The Karaoke Idol Contest Warm-Up will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. during the event ahead of the Jaycees’ Karaoke Idol Contest Aug. 9.
Participants will sign up at the contest stage ahead of the event. A $15 entry fee is required. The first-place prize is $75, the second-place prize is $50 and the third-place prize is $25.
Kids can check out bounce houses, inflatables and a crafts table in the family area from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A carnival area will be open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The carnival only accepts cash. Entry with wristbands, which cost $20, is from 2 to 5 p.m.
The Marketplace will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Live music includes Ozzy Osbourne and Def Leppard tribute bands
Performers will take the main stage throughout the day. The Dirty Martinis are scheduled to start at 11 a.m., followed by Pat McCurdy at 1:30 p.m. After that, The Radio Effect will perform at 4:30 p.m., Stetsin & Lace will go on at 6:15 p.m. and Blizzard of Randy: A Tribute to Ozzy will play at 8 p.m.
Ozzy Osbourne, lead singer of Black Sabbath and reality television star, died at 76 years old July 22.
High ‘N’ Dry, a Def Leppard tribute band, will close out the lineup at 9:45 p.m.
Charity Challenge finalists include Lakeshore CAP, Sheboygan County Cycling and Sheboygan Theatre Company
The Charity Challenge returns to see which local nonprofit can contribute the most volunteer hours at Brat Days, filling in during set-up/tear down, at ticket stands, and beer and food areas.
Donations will be divvied up at the end of the event based on the number of volunteer hours. The nonprofit with the most volunteer hours will receive an additional $500. Organizations placing second and third will receive an additional $200 and $100, respectively.
Finalists include Freedom Cry Inc., Habitat for Humanity Lakeside, Innovative Care Services, Lakeshore Community Action Program, Paws Up Pet Rescue, Sheboygan County Cycling, Sheboygan Theatre Company and Theater for Young Audiences.
More than $26,000 has been raised for 33 local organizations through the Charity Challenge since 2013, according to the Jaycees.
Brat Days event grounds will be fenced off
The event grounds will be fenced off because of Sheboygan Police Department and Department of Public Works regulations, according to the Jaycees.
Backpacks, carry-ins, firearms and pets are not allowed. Bag and identification checks will be done. Individuals who are 21 years and older will receive a wristband, regardless of alcohol consumption.
Admission to Brat Days is free. Food and drink tickets can be purchased at Brat Days. Ten tickets cost $5. Brat Days is accepting tickets from past years.
Parking discounts available with a Sheboygan County Food Bank donation
Parking at Kiwanis Park is $5. Handicapped and motorcycle parking spaces will be available.
A $1 parking discount will be offered for three non-perishable items brought to the park, benefiting the Sheboygan County Food Bank. Pasta, spaghetti sauce, canned tuna, canned chicken and canned fruit in 100% juice are the most needed items.
A free shuttle will transport passengers between the parking lot at Discovery Coach, 1139 Pennsylvania Ave., and the corner of Kiwanis Park Drive and North 17th Street. The shuttle departs every 30 minutes between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m.
Contact Alex Garner at 224-374-2332 or agarner@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Sheboygan Press: Sheboygan Brat Days returns Aug. 2 with brat-eating contest, Ozzy Osbourne tribute & more
Reporting by Alex Garner, Sheboygan Press / Sheboygan Press
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