Event continues 41-year tradition
For 41 years, East Troy’s Memorial Day Weekend festivities have brought the community together serving as the unofficial kickoff to summer.
Promising food, music and fun, the East Troy Area Chamber of Commerce’s 41st annual Corn and Brat Roast will return May 26 to 29, at East Troy Village Square Park, 2881 Main St.
The year’s event will be bigger and better than ever with four days of live entertainment and a menu of summertime favorites like roasted sweet corn, Hometown Sausage Kitchen brats, hot dogs, burgers, soda and beer, East Troy Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Vanessa Lenz said.
“Nothing beats eating that first ear of buttery sweet corn in the sunshine while listening to live music in downtown East Troy,” Lenz said.
The Corn and Brat Roast will run from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday.
The following entertainment lineup will take place rain or shine, with no cover charge:
Friday, May 26
4 to 8 p.m.: Andy Carroll and The People He Owes $ To
Saturday, May 27
11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.: Doo-Wop Daddies
Sponsored by the East Troy Lions Club
3:30 to 6:30 p.m.: Piano Man Joe Hite
Sunday, May 28
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Spare Change Band
2 to 6 p.m.: Lunchmoney Bullies
Monday, May 29
1 to 5 p.m.: Smooth Blues
The East Troy Corn and Brat Roast was started by Chamber volunteers 41 years ago with the addition of East Troy’s Community-wide Rummage in 1991.
“It’s become quite the tradition over the years. It continues to grow and evolve and has become a community-wide celebration that locals look forward to each year,” Lenz said.
The event could not be put on without the help of volunteers, Lenz said. More than 200 people help make the event happen each year with representation from numerous East Troy businesses and organizations.
“Decades of chamber volunteers have kept this annual tradition alive,” Lenz said.
“We are so grateful for every single one of them.”
Get ready to Rummage!
The weekend events also include the East Troy Area Chamber of Commerce’s 26th annual East Troy Community-wide Rummage Sale on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A list of participating rummages will be available at easttroy.org, after Wednesday, May 24.
Eric Grossmeyer of AntiqueWisconsin.com will be at Village Square Park on Saturday, May 27 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. for an “Antique Roadshow”-style antique appraisal event. Bring up to three items for a free appraisal.
For more information, contact the East Troy Area Chamber of Commerce at (262) 642-3770 or email vanessa@easttroy.org.
Goodwill Collection at Martin’s
Martin’s Hardware-Rental and Pet, Spotlight Real Estate and Goodwill will provide a truck to collect leftover rummage sale items and other contributions from the community on Sunday, May 28, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Martin’s shopping center, located at 3288 Main St.
East Troy’s second annual Brewfest
East Troy’s second annual Brewfest will be held on Sunday, May 28 from 3 to 6 p.m. at East Troy Village Square Park, 2881 Main St., featuring samples of over 35 craft beers and micro brews from area breweries, including Lagunitas Brewing Company, Lakefront Brewery, Geneva Lake Brewing and more.
The event, sponsored by the East Troy Area Chamber of Commerce, will also feature the best local homebrewers in East Troy, bringing out their favorite drafts for attendees to taste and rate.
“Our first annual Brewfest was a big success and we are excited to make it an annual thing,” Lenz said.
“We will have live music from the Lunch Money Bullies from 2 to 6 p.m. and games like Hammerschlagen and Spin to Win. The event is entirely outdoors – giving it a real festival vibe,” said Lenz.
“Attendees will get a chance to sample any beer they’d like and will receive a commemorative 2017 East Troy Brewfest glass and other swag.”
Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door for unlimited sampling. Attendees must be 21 or older. For more information, visit easttroy.org.
Memorial Day Observance
East Troy residents will have the opportunity to observe Memorial Day on Monday, May 29.
The annual Memorial Day parade will begin 10:30 a.m. at the intersection of Beulah Avenue and Main Street. The parade will travel east onto Main Street and will enter the East Troy Village Square at the north sidewalk.
The ceremony will begin when all groups are in place on the square and will include performances by East Troy Middle School and High School bands.
The program includes local representatives to Badger Girls and Badger Boys State, a rifle salute for veterans who have passed away and roll call of the veterans who have died during the past year. The event is presented by American Legion Loomis-Martin Post 188.
A ceremony honoring a deceased veteran will be held following the ceremony.
For more information, call (262) 470-4694.
Friday Farmers Market
The East Troy Farmers Market will continue its ninth season from 2 to 6 p.m. on Friday, May 26, at East Troy Village Square Park, 2881 Main St.
The market will feature vendors selling homegrown and local produce, specialty items, meats, honey, cheese, flowers, crafts and more. The event will also include live music and various activities.
For a complete lineup, visit easttroy.org.