Biggest bratwurst ever!

• Turning the brat

Assistants line up for a synchronized turning of a 52-foot bratwurst in Prescott Saturday. If either the brat or the bun was broken during preparation time, the product would be disqualified from World Book of Records competition.
• On the bun

The brat’s in the bun. Finally the fully cooked bratwurst was gently placed in the long bun. -- Photos by Vicky Howe

Talk about it

The bun waited patiently through the blustery wind and 40-degree temperature. Warmed by the heat from the glowing coals of the over 50-foot grill, the bun was gently carved down the center to prepare for the arrival of what was expected to be a world record bratwurst.

It took 40 pounds of dough, prepared by the Village Hearth Natural Breads Company of St. Cloud, Minn., to form and bake the record bun. The roll was delivered to Ptacek’s IGA in Prescott by a semi-tractor/ trailer.

At last the coals were hot enough. The 35-pound bratwurst was unwound from its tub onto the smoldering grill. Over 20 assistants lined up along the grill to systematically turn the brat for even cooking. If either the brat or the bun was broken, they would be disqualified from the contest. A backup bratwurst was added to grill later, just in case.

A crowd gathered to watch the event and help Ptacek’s IGA celebrate 100 years in business. Others took advantage of the many activities available. Children enjoyed the petting zoo, which included a tank full of rabbits and donkeys in a pen. Others enjoyed blow-up fun houses and the Velcro wall. Chester Cheetah and the Trix Rabbit milled through the crowd and posed for photos with excited kids.

Adults were invited to the beer tent for free samples, and the Vikings cheerleaders performed. “Border Patrol” band played while everyone waited for the brat to cook.

The announcement was made. The brat is ready. The assistants carefully lifted it to rest at last on the waiting bun. The transfer went perfectly.

Then the measurement was taken: 52 feet, two inches qualified the brat for the Guinness Book of World Records.

The crowd roared, and Ptacek’s had accomplished its goal.

The bratwurst, made by the store’s meat department, was then cut and sold to hungry folks who could say they ate part of “The World’s Largest Bratwurst.”

Proceeds from the brat and beer sales were donated to Have-A-Heart, a facility that provides respite care for children and adults, supportive home care, an adult family home and an adult day program.

Tags: communities, prescott, business, wisconsin