The annual event fell 9,000 brats short of the record set two years ago. However, the article doesn’t make it clear if Boca Brats are being counted in the final tally. For what it’s worth, I don’t believe vegetarian brats should be counted in the total. They aren’t brats.

I didn’t go to Brat Fest. I really didn’t see any reason to. I love brats, but they need to give me a better reason. On Friday a friend called and asked if I wanted to go watch The Love Monkeys at Brat Fest. I had to go to work, but I would have gone if I could. I had no idea The Love Monkeys were playing at Brat Fest.

But if I would have went, I would have been disappointed. I don’t know the exact times, but it was around 8pm that they started shutting down events. No more beer, no more brats. Here’s a clue, if you want to set a record, stay open later. It was at the Alliant Energy Center grounds, which has virtually no residential neighbors, so late night activities are not a nuisance to residents.

I’d have to say that Brat Fest is pretty lame. First they serve vegetarian brats, which are not brats. Then they shut down early in the night. Should it be called a Fest if they kick everyone out shortly after sundown? It’s kind of embarrassing that Madison executes a good idea so poorly. Sheboygan is laughing at Madison, as they should be.

And one last thing, come up with a different name for the “Celebrity Cashiers”. The Secretary of Whatever Dept of the state government, magazine editors and city Alders are not a celebrities. Even the Governor is not a celebrity.