MADISON, Wis. — Saturday was day two of Madison’s Brat Fest, billed as the world’s biggest brat festival.

The three-day charity event was cut short on opening day Friday due to storms.

Organizer Tim Metcalfe said that was a tough call to make.

“It was a hard decision, but it was the right decision,” he said.

Metcalfe said he’s grateful for how much people stepped up to the plate Friday and this weekend. He said after Friday’s cancellation, more people signed up to volunteer Saturday, keeping the event fully staffed.

“What’s really great, again, is that they’re doing that for something they care about,” Metcalfe said. “So, they’re volunteering their time, and giving back to the community that they love.”

He said about 3,000 volunteers came out to help over the weekend, doing everything from grilling to pouring beers and cleaning tables.

Roger Quick was one of many volunteers helping for a good cause. Local charities staff the event, and the proceeds then go back to benefit those organizations.

Quick took to the grills this weekend to raise money for juvenile diabetes.

“My son’s a type one diabetic,” he said. “Got to help them out. That’s a tough disease.”

The event has raised more than $2 million since it began in 1983.

Sarah Blake said she has attended every year since moving to Madison. She added that she loves the event’s mission of giving back.

“I think Madison is a community that is very conscious about giving back,” she said. “That’s one of my favorite parts about living in this town and coming to events like this.”

It’s that spirit of giving that Metcalfe said he hopes will keep people coming year after year.

“It’s getting together as a community, celebrating our heritage, bratwurst and beer and just getting together,” he said.