Waseca tradition, Beers and Brats

Business owner Shane Wendland, owner of Barden's Bar in Waseca, dined with some of his customers during Waseca’s annual “Beers and Brats” night on Thursday, Oct. 2. He recalls being present at the inaugural launch of the event back in 1975. With eight taverns taking part, Beers and Brats turned State Street into a very busy thoroughfare. Hundreds of bratwurst were served around town; prices ranged from $5.50 to $7.

 

At Barden’s, Carrie Wendland, sister to Shane, was in charge of the food, the tables out front, the awning, the grills. Said Shane, “She got 600 brats from Morgan’s, we’re not doing hot dogs, we got our special Diane’s Sauerkraut, which can also be bought separately.” So, what makes her sauerkraut so special? Charlotte Griffith, a customer who was munching on a brat topped with an extra serving, said, “This is my favorite sauerkraut, it’s sweet, savory, the perfect accompaniment to their brats, by far the biggest, juiciest and best tasting brat in town.” Stephanie England, Barden’s waitress and bartender, stood in as grill master for the evening, “We were sold out of our brats, all of them by 6:50 p.m.” 

 

Shane added, “We were the originators of Beers and Brats. The Bushmas started it and kept it going when no one else did; that was either 1975 or ’76. Usually on a Thursday night we can get by with one or two people working; tonight we have two bartenders, one waitress and 5 or 6 people working outside serving.”

 

The Waseca Legion had four tables set up outside, also with a protective awning. Liza Buker, Legion manager said, “We have 260 brats from Morgan’s and 100 foot-long hot dogs. Our brat buns are from Kwik Trip, the foot long buns are from Hy-Vee.” There was also a meat raffle and plenty of adult beverages to go around during the event. After the dust settled, Buker said, “We had 25 brats left over and 25-foot longs.”

 

Deb Hoehn, owner of the Mill said, “We got 200 brats in three separate flavors, mac and cheese, bacon cheddar or regular from Wiste’s. The 50 hot dogs and buns came from Sam’s Club.” Hoehn said the Mill has joined in on Beers and Brats “because it’s tradition, not a lot of other towns have something like this, it’s a Waseca thing.” The Mill was done serving by 8 p.m.

 

The Boxcar Bar bought 300 brats–and only brats–for the night. Owner Todd Schmidt had this to say on the subject, “It’s called Beers and Brats, not Beers and Brats and hot dogs and carnival rides and cotton candy. I know the dogs are more for the little kids or people who don’t appreciate brats, but we should try to keep this a tradition.” The Boxcar was sold out of brats by 8 p.m. Katie O’Leary’s had 300 brats on hand and was sold out by 7 p.m. Sweet-Sommers VFW, in participation for the night purchased 100 brats and 25 hot dogs from Morgan’s; at the end of the night they had about five of each left. Club 57 bought 25 cheddar and 25 regular brats, and purchased their buns from Marten Brothers. By the end of the evening they had 12 left.