“A brat’s last wish … is to be enjoyed by a Badger.”

And over 1,200 brats -- a new record -- got their last wish recently during the WisconsinFest event sponsored by the L. Alan Cruikshank River of Time Museum. It was the Museum’s second annual event and, every one of the estimated 900 Wisconsinites and others -- also a record -- who came, helped again to make it an overwhelming success. It was planned as a triple-B event: brats, beer and Badgers. And this year we had plenty of them all.

We want to thank and acknowledge the support of the many that donated and helped sponsor WisconsinFest: Phil’s Filling Station & Grill who kept the food line well supplied; Crescent-Crown for donating to the raffle and keeping the suds flowing; Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale for supporting the silent auction with great H-D merchandise; and all the other business and individuals contributing to the silent auction and raffle; to Debbie Fisher and the group of musicians who helped keep the polka beat resounding. And also the proclamation from Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and the welcoming letter from Arizona Gov. Jane Brewer.

We again thank the Community Center staff who graciously and quickly responded to several last-minute demands.

And lastly we sincerely, again, thank all the Badgers and the many others who turned out to help make our second WisconsinFest a great triumph. Many of you made some excellent suggestions we will incorporate in next year’s event.

Now let’s all plan to attend WisconsinFest in 2015 and participate in setting two new records -- for attendance and brats. Thanks for coming. We look forward to seeing you again next year.