By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — The hum of a procession of cars rolling through the Alpine Kiwanis Brat Days drive-thru is often interrupted by the clamoring of a ringing bell and cheers from volunteers.
The bell signifies that one of the thousands of customers buying a brat, hot dog or vegan meal has decided to donate their change or a tip to the nonprofit. For volunteers like Colleen Blaney, a Hillman Elementary School teacher who was working the drive-thru line, it’s the sound of support.
Brat Days is the single biggest fundraiser for Alpine Kiwanis, a nonprofit that works to support the community and help children here. The festival-style brats, Mrs. Fisher’s chips and soda are just part of the draw, customers say. The real goal is to give back.
“Kiwanis has been around a long time and they’ve done a lot of things for the community,” Kathy Welte said while standing in line for her brat at the U-Haul parking lot at East State Street and Mulford Road. “We’re part of the community. You’ve got to support it.”
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The two-day event began Friday and continues from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at both the U-Haul lot in Rockford and Blain’s Farm & Fleet, 7300 E. Riverside Blvd., in Loves Park. This is the 52nd year of Brat Days.
Kathy Welte and her husband, Ron, have made a habit out of coming to Brat Days the past few years. Ron Welte is on the board of directors for Rock River Valley Pantry, one of the organizations Alpine Kiwanis supports.
“It’s really fun. You run into people you know, and the food is good,” Kathy Welte said.
Last year, Alpine Kiwanis raised about $90,000 after expenses through Brat Days. It hopes to beat that this year, but it’s competing against higher costs for condiments, drinks and propane.
“Everything went up just a little bit, so that adds up,” said Karen Tilly, co-chairwoman of Brat Days.
The money raised supports up to 30 nonprofits each year, as well as scholarships for local students headed to college. Alpine Kiwanis has also pledged $50,000 to support the future Rockford Park District indoor equestrian center, which will incorporate programs designed to help youth cope with trauma, stress or other mental health issues.
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As an example of the magnitude of how much food is served consider this: Mrs. Fisher’s had 38,000 pounds of potatoes delivered Sunday so it could start production and deliver fresh chips to Alpine Kiwanis by Thursday, Tilly said.
The brat’s are a special Johnsville variety reserved for festivals and fairs and a special beef hot dog.
“You cannot buy them in the store,” said Kathy Vigna, co-chairowman of Brat Days. “Judging from the number of people who come out and the number of tickets that we sell, people appreciate that product every year.”
There are also vegan options, including a meatless barbecue made by Brian’s Trade Rite.
“It’s a homemade recipe that’s been around for many years,” Vigna said. “And, of course, Mrs. Fisher’s chips. How could you go wrong?”
Alpine Kiwanis Brat Days | Know before you go
Where: U-Haul parking lot, corner of East State Street and Mulford Road; Blain’s Farm & Fleet, 7300 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park
When: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m Friday, July 21; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, July 22
Cost: $8
What you get: Your choice of Johnsonville brat, all-beef Johnsonville hot dog, meatless barbecue, vegan/vegetarian brat and Mrs. Fisher’s chips plus a Pepsi product or water.
Info: alpinekiwanis-il.org
For preorders of 25 or more: Call 779-348-0882.
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on Twitter at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas