Memorial Day weekend. The "official" start of summer (nevermind that the solstice isn't till June 21). The weekend of the World's Largest Bratfest at Hilldale. (There's another one over Labor Day weekend, too.) $1.00 gets you a brat and a soda, or you can get a hot dog and a soda for $.50. All proceeds go to local charities. Once again, they are trying to top their own record. Given that the weather is gorgeous this weekend, it looks pretty likely that they will. The fest runs through Memorial Day, 10AM-6PM. (Check out the directions from Frankfurt, Germany!!)

Since the weather has been so nice today, I decided to bike to the fest. I had been feeling a little guilty for not biking to work this week, so this seemed like the perfect time to make up for that. Perfect weather, all the time in the world to get where I was going, and no pressure to actually get there if the journey proved too long.

The journey was pretty long and occasionally a little trafficky, but I made the trip there and back without much strain. I got a brat and soda right away upon reaching my destination, which perked me right up. I spent a hour or so walking around, people watching and checking out the University Bookstore's moving sale. I was very tempted by the yellow Bratfest helium balloons, the Oscar Mayer weinermobile whistles, and the offer to tour the Weinmobile itself, but in the end I passed, leaving those to the crowds of ketchup-faced kids.

I left the fest about and hour before it closed up for the day, but not without getting a hot dog and soda to fortify myself for the ride home. Hit the spot.

And now...now I think it is time for a nap.