Where’s The Beef?

I just happened to hit my first meat raffle in Wisconsin after living in this state for almost 17 years.  I have heard of these strange meeting happening in Wisconsin bars all the time, but had yet to make it out.  So on a very brisk Saturday afternoon we ventured over to Tricia’s Country Corners bar in McFarland to see what the hype was all about.

We arrived at 3pm and from the get go there was strategy brewing in the place. My cohorts, who had all been to this specific meat raffle numerous times, told me that we would not get to play every round because of the turnout. So after ordering a Coors Light and finding my spot at the table, it was on! If you have never been before let me describe what happens at this particular bar. A person walks around with a bucket of 20 paddles, each one is either white, yellow, red or blue.  Each paddle is numbered 1-20 and they are placed number side down in the bucket.  Said person then collects one dollar from 20 participants.  Once all of the numbers have been taken they spin the mighty wheel.  It looks to be an old bicycle wheel with spokes adorned with Badger this and Badger that.  Once the wheel stops it has landed on a number and most hope it is their number! Then it is revealed who is the winner that person then gets to go to a giant freezer in the bar and write their name, in sharpie on one item from Stoddard’s meats that is in the cooler.  There is a wide selection from cube steak, to bacon wrapped tenderloin and stuffed chicken breasts.

Now It’s Time For a Drink!

Now that the winner has selected their meat of choice the wheel is spun once again to reveal the winner of a free drink! Not sure which contest is more exciting, but there seemed to be plenty of drinks being consumed that afternoon.  Along with all of the drinking the menu is a smorgasbord of great bar type food.  I indulged in the chicken drummies that were delicious and the menu also featured a ” diet platter” complete with a burger patty and cottage cheese.  Maybe next time…

Winner Winner, It’s a Meat Raffle Dinner

When all was said and done the table of friends walked away with 2 meat wins and 1 drink chip.  Pretty successful if I do say so myself! The grand prize spins are for cash draws where one could win $40 or the big daddy of $100.  We had a friend walk away with the $40 pot, but were not fortunate enough to win the $100.  Overall it was everything I expected it to be and a good time was had by all.  We walked out with our stuffed chicken breasts, filled with cheap beer and chicken drummies. If you have an afternoon to spend with friends I highly recommend this Wisconsin tradition and hope to see you by the wheel.

For a list of meat raffles every week, go to https://www.wisconsinmeatraffle.com/dane-county