SEYMOUR, WI (WTAQ) – A 30th annual festival is being held in Seymour this weekend to celebrate a summer-favorite food that has a long history right here in Wisconsin.
Burger Fest is a well-known Seymour tradition. But many might not know the historic past the burger has in town.
Former Burger Fest Board President Jim Campbell tells the story of Charlie Nagreen who attempted to sell meatballs at the 1885 Seymour Fair. Good idea, but not very practical.
“People would try to walk around with meatballs and they would roll off their plate and everything,” said Campbell. “So he got the bright idea to squash it and make a sandwich, so he got his meatballs and squashed them down and the hamburger was born.”
Every summer Seymour commemorates Charlie and his invention while celebrating their community at Burger Fest.
Events start at 8 AM Saturday and continue through the night.
The money raised goes back into the community towards charitable causes.
“We usually try to get three scholarships a year for 600 bucks,” says Campbell.
The festivities feature a 5K “bun run,” a hamburger eating contest, a ketchup slide, and a monstrous 190-pound cheeseburger.
The massive burger may seem unimaginable but ultimately pales in comparison to historic past creations.
“1989, our first year, we served a 5,200-pound burger,” said Campbell. “That made the Guinness Book of World Records.
The mere 190-pound burger available on Saturday will be grilled and served on a first come, first serve basis.
