That translates into 200,000 brats, the record-setting goal for this year's Johnsonville World 's Biggest Brat Fest. The charity event runs Friday through Monday at Willow Island on the grounds of the Alliant Energy Center. It features bands on two stages, rides, activities, and celebrities including chef Sandra Lee, host of the Food Network 's "Semi-Homemade Cooking."

"We are excited to welcome brat-lovers from all over the country, " says organizer Tim Metcalfe, owner of Metcalfe Sentry Food.

And visitors better be hungry. "We know that 200,000 brats is a lot to serve during one event, " he says.

The current record is 189,432 brats sold at our biggest picnic on the planet. To beat that, volunteers need to sell approximately 88 brats every minute during the four-day festival.

"Grilling is a delicious and easy way to entertain, " says Sandra Lee. But on this scale?

Key to the record-breaking effort is Johnsonville brand's gargantuan Big Taste Grill: 53,000 pounds, 6-feet in diameter, 20-feet tall and 65-feet long.

It has the capacity to satisfy about 2,500 brat-lovers per hour. The Big Taste Grill will be joined on site by about 20 other 6-foot grills. And Johnsonville has done more than loan Madison its barbecue.

"For the second year, Johnsonville is donating 150,000 brats to the event, and Boca Foods is donating just shy of 7,000 veggie brats, " says Scott Smith, Brat Fest promoter. "This is huge for us. Obviously, the more donations we have the more we 're able to give back to the charity groups and non-profit organizations. "

Says Jim Mueller, general manager of fresh brats for Johnsonville, "This event is exactly what our company is about -- getting together with family and friends, enjoying great food and giving back to the community. We 're looking forward to another successful event, where we hope to again help raise more than $100,000 for more than 70 different charities. "

Collecting that money will be celebrity cashiers including Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz, U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin, Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk, sports reporter Andy Baggot of the Wisconsin State Journal, Wisconsin first lady Jessica Doyle, Fletcher Keyes of WOLX radio, Madison Fire Chief Debra Amesqua, and virtually every meteorologist on local airwaves.

Brat Fest was started 26 years ago as a customer appreciation day at Hilldale Shopping Center 's Sentry Foods by owner Tom Metcalfe, Tim 's father. That first celebration consisted of one 19-inch grill, one table and three chairs.

Things have changes somewhat. The 26th annual Brat Fest has more free entertainment than ever at the Alliant Energy Center 's Willow Island. Organizers have added an additional stage to accommodate more than 50 bands scheduled to perform over the four-day event. Most of the acts are donating their time and talent to support Brat Fest 's charitable efforts.

New to Brat Fest this year is a teenage battle of the bands called "Cut the Mustard. " Nine high school rock groups will play from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Two winners will be invited to play full sets on Monday. They 're joined by a weekend roster of professional performers that includes the Sharp and Harkins Band, Clear Blue Betty, Felicia Alima, Jessi Lynn, Blue Beyond, Sparetime Bluegrass Band, Harmonious Wail, Queenie and the Bluecats, and John Statz.

"We have a fantastic lineup this year, " says Tim Metcalfe. "There 's something for everyone, including a bunch of Madison Area Music Award-winning performers playing on our stages. And the best part is admission to Brat Fest and all the entertainment is completely free to the public. "

The menu features Johnsonville brats, of course, $1.50, and veggie brats and Oscar Mayer hot dogs at the same price. A double brat on one bun will be offered for $3. This year, for the first time, brats sold yesterday during WMTV 's "Take Your Brat to Work Day " will be counted towards the record-setting goal.

Brat Fest will be held rain or shine, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. today and tomorrow, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday. Admission and parking are free. For more information visit www.bratfest.com.

IF YOU GO

What: Brat Fest

When: Today through Monday

Where: Willow Island on the grounds of the Alliant Energy Center

Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. today and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday.

Admission, parking: Free

Highlights: Besides the $1.50 brats and hot dogs,  there will be bands on two stages, rides, activities, and celebrities including chef Sandra Lee, host of the Food Network's "Semi-Homemade Cooking." The Madison Marathon finish line will also be on the grounds on Sunday.

Web site: www.bratfest.com