Uncover The Ultimate Burger Festival In Green Bay's Own Backyard!

The smash burger. How to cook this American classic, and where did it come from? We join the celebration of the hamburger right in Green Bay’s back yard, and check off some ultimate bucket list musts at this wild festival known as Burger Fest.

In this episode of Wisconsin Foodie, host Luke Zahm travels to the “Home of the Hamburger” – Seymour, Wisconsin. In 1885, the hamburger was invented by Charlie Nagreen at the Seymour fair. Every August, the community celebrates this origin story with Burger Fest, led by the Seymour Community Museum which houses the World’s Largest Hamburger Collection. There’s a lot of research that has been done on this, and Hamburger Historian Bill Collar walks us through the legendary beginnings of what we now call the smash burger. The first time anywhere in the world that the hamburger patty was made with two pieces of bread, thanks to the innovation of one person seeing a need and creatively providing a solution. “Hamburger Charlie” as he came to be known, had a very distinctive look with red suspenders and even crafted a chant to promote his creation: “Hamburger, hamburger, hamburger hot with an onion in the middle and a pickle on top. Makes your lips go flippity flop. Come on over, try an order, fried in butter, listen to it sputter.” Seymour’s current “Hamburger Charlie”, Ben Braun, highlights the much disputed theories of the origination of the hamburger, and the trial that ultimately deemed that honor to Seymour.

Burger bucket list? Yes please. Luke lives it up, grabbing a burger and an Oh Snap pickle made in Appleton, and is ready to “get this thing dressed up just like me, ketchup, mustard”. This is nothing compared to the 200 pound burger that’s been cooking all day and is ready to be placed in a giant bun from local Don’s Market. Quite a sight and operation, according to Master Burger Chef Darren Campbell. Luke then survives a hamburger eating competition, takes part in a ketchup slide, alongside World Record Holder Tim Schmidt, and marvels at the hot air balloons. What better way to spend a weekend in Wisconsin than living this day to its fullest and checking off these unique experiences rooted in such an impactful history.

Hamburger is as classic to America as apple pie. Back at Owl Farm, Luke showcases his special touch on the smash burger, and explains the benefits of balling your burger - “beautiful beefy balls”. It’s humbling to recognize and acknowledge the larger relevance in how Wisconsin is connected to ideas and foods that circumvent the world. As in the beauty of all food, burgers are best shared with people that you love. This is the epitome of delicious, of Americana, and of Wisconsin - and is something that deserves to be celebrated.

In memory of Tom Duffy, Seymour Hamburger Fest Founder, and instrumental contributor to what the museum is today. A fantastic person, very interested in history and Seymour, and did so much for our community.

0:00 This week on WI Foodie
1:07 Home of the Burger, just outside of Green Bay
3:35 “Hamburger Charlie” and the trial for hamburger’s origin
5:36 Dressing up a burger, festival-style
7:42 You said 200 pounds of hamburger?
9:38 “The physical sensations I’m experiencing are not pleasant”. How does Luke survive the burger eating contest?
13:18 Just cruising in the ketchup slide
16:07 Beer barrel polka and hot air balloons
16:56 Why beautiful beefy balls enhance this American classic. Cooking time at Owl Farm
21:29 In memory of Burger Fest Founder, Tom Duffy
22:01 Say what? (Outtakes)

Don’t miss Burger Fest this August: https://www.homeofthehamburger.org/

See the World’s Largest Hamburger Collection at the Seymour Community Historical Society Museum: http://www.seymourhistory.org/museum/...

Experience peak pickle portability with Oh Snap Pickles: https://ohsnappickles.com/

Not every occasion wants big buns, but they do want quality, shop local at Don’s Market: https://www.donsqualitymarket.com/

Crave more legendary burgers and their history? Check out the unique style of Pete’s Hamburgers:    • Wisconsin Foodie - Pete's Hamburgers