There is nothing that is more classic Milwaukee than Usinger’s Famous Sausage and once again, Usinger’s neighbor, the Old German Beer Hall, 1009 N. Old World 3rd St., joins the City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County in celebrating Feb. 23 – today! – as Fred Usinger Day.

Of course, for some Milwaukeeans – guilty as charged – there's a Usinger's Day nearly every week. I suspect restaurateur Hans Weissgerber is in the club, too.

"Usinger ‘wurstmachers’ have been making superlative quality sausage on Milwaukee's Old World 3rd Street since 1880," said Weissgerber, owner of the Beer Hall, in a statement.

"The site of the original store is located directly across the street from the Old German Beer Hall. The original family recipes have never been altered in order to meet a competitive price. To the Usinger sausage makers, it is a matter of pride to maintain their tradition of excellence."

This 10th annual celebration includes free Usinger’s brats from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m., and a gratis beer sample (21 and older, of course) at a 6 p.m. keg-tapping, while supplies last.

There will also be live music by Ferdinand Buchel & Ken Brandt at noon and the Brewhouse Polka Kings from 5 until 8 p.m., as well as a variety of specials on brats, wieners, Braunschweiger, chicken sausages, sauerkraut and more from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

And, seriously, you’ll be right across the street. Don’t miss an opportunity to stop in the one-of-a-king Usinger’s retail store, where you can get the full range of Usinger’s treats – encased or otherwise.

Say hi to Fritz for me.