presented by C.D. Smith Foundation @ Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts
This event has been moved to Downtown Fond du Lac at Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts for the safety and best interests of event participants and attendees. Drawing will be held on 1st Floor Gallery inside THELMA at 2pm – Saturday, February 10th.
THE ACE ACADEMY SHANTY RAFFLE IS A MAJOR FUNDRAISER FOR THE ACE ACADEMY. SINCERE APPRECIATION FOR ALL THE BUSINESS PARTNERS THAT SUPPORT THE ACADEMY AND THIS PROJECT
More info on the project below:
The ACE Shanties Project was spearheaded by C.D. Smith Construction’s Foundation Committee with material donations provided by a variety of local businesses. The project began in May of 2019 with blueprints, construction began in September of the same year, and the project was completed in early 2020.
To raise funds for the A.C.E. Academy and raffle supporters, Foot of the Lake Fishing Club, one of the shanties has been raffled off during the Sturgeon Spectacular festivities 4 out of the last 5 years.
$10 raffle tickets are now available at the following locations. Tickets available while supplies last. (Maximum of 1,000 tickets sold):
- Hopper’s Silk Screening & All Star Trophy – 77 N. Main Street, Fond du Lac, WI
- Top Shelf Sports Bar & Grille – 90 S. Main Street, Fond du Lac, WI
- B & B Express – N6714 County Rd. W (at Hwy 23), Mt. Calvary, WI
- Waucousta Food Mart – N3112 Hwy 45, Campbellsport, WI
1st Place: ACE ACADEMY SHANTY
Bowe Metal Fabrication + Repair Frame with Leaf Springs, 6.5′ x 12′ Center Hole, Finished Interior
Value: $7,000+
2nd Place: Sturgeon Spear & Spearing Equipment
Bowe Metal Fabrication + Repair Sturgeon Spear & Spearing Equipment
Value: $335
Donated by Badgerland Connections
3rd Place: Sturgeon Spear
Bowe Metal Fabrication + Repair Sturgeon Spear
Value: $235
Donated by Badgerland Connections
Official Shanty Raffle Drawing will take place live at Sturgeon Spectacular at 2pm on Saturday, February 10th at the Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts.
See photos from the 2023 ACE Academy Shanty below!
The best snow sculptors in the state travel to Fond du Lac to compete in the 2024 Wisconsin Snow Sculpting Competition in hopes of winning a trip to the 2025 US Championship and a $1,000 1st Prize. Sculpting all weekend long.
Daily Schedule:
*Some teams compete well into the early morning hours. Hours vary by day/team.
Friday, February 9, 2024*
1:00 PM – Teams arrive onsite and begin sculpting
Saturday, February 10, 2024*
8:00 AM – 10:00 PM – Competition Site Open for Viewing
Sunday, February 11, 2024*
Teams Compete
People’s Choice Ballots must be turned in at Info Table inside THELMA by 11:00am
Tools Down/ Official Judging begins at 1pm
Awards Ceremony & Spectacular Finale starts at 1:30pm
Presenting Sponsor: Grande Cheese Company
Official Snow Provider: Sunburst Ski Hill
Transportation provided by: Baumhardt Trucking of Eden
Meals provided by Annie’s Fountain City Catering, Top Shelf, Philly’s on 4th, and Eaton’s Fresh Pizza.
presented by Fleet Farm @ Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts
This event has been moved to Downtown Fond du Lac outside Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts for the safest and best interests of event attendees.
Are you a spearer? Do you know a spearer? If you or someone you know is lucky enough to spear a sturgeon during the 2024 sturgeon spearing season, enter to win the Biggest Sturgeon Contest presented by Fleet Farm. There are 3 ways to enter:
- Bring your harvest to Downtown Fond du Lac on Opening Day (Saturday, February 10th) between 12pm – 4pm and check in at the Fleet Farm tent.
- Post a photo of this year’s harvest to Facebook using #FDLBigFish and include name of the spearer and date harvested*
- Email your photo to info@fdlfest.com with “Biggest Sturgeon 2024” in the subject line and include the name of the spearer and date harvested*
*Only 2024 harvested sturgeon will be eligible for the $500 Fleet Farm Gift Card
That’s it, it’s that easy. Open to all ages and legal harvest rules apply.
Entries must be received by midnight on Sunday, February 25th to qualify. All entries will be collected and a random drawing will occur on Monday, February 26th. Winners will be announced through Facebook or contacted through the email submitted.
Please be aware of all DNR guidelines when you register your fish at one of the official DNR fish registration stations.
Reminder – No ice is safe ice, and this year that is very important to understand as ice conditions have been deemed unsafe.
More helpful info can be found on the Wisconsin DNR webpage here.
#FDLBigFish
#SSFDL
Special thanks to Fleet Farm for their partnership!
The best snow sculptors in the state travel to Fond du Lac to compete in the 2024 Wisconsin Snow Sculpting Competition in hopes of winning a trip to the 2025 US Championship and a $1,000 1st Prize. Sculpting all weekend long.
Daily Schedule:
*Some teams compete well into the early morning hours. Hours vary by day/team.
Friday, February 9, 2024*
1:00 PM – Teams arrive onsite and begin sculpting
Saturday, February 10, 2024*
8:00 AM – 10:00 PM – Competition Site Open for Viewing
Sunday, February 11, 2024*
Teams Compete
People’s Choice Ballots must be turned in at Info Table inside THELMA by 11:00am
Tools Down/ Official Judging begins at 1pm
Awards Ceremony & Spectacular Finale starts at 1:30pm
Presenting Sponsor: Grande Cheese Company
Official Snow Provider: Sunburst Ski Hill
Transportation provided by: Baumhardt Trucking of Eden
Meals provided by Annie’s Fountain Catering, Top Shelf, Philly’s on 4th, and Eaton’s Fresh Pizza.
presented by Horicon Bank @ Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts
This event has been moved to Downtown Fond du Lac on the Plaza of Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts for the safety and best interest of event participants and attendees.
Join us for the 6th Annual Fond du Lac Outdoor Funspiel. This tournament is fun AND competitive. Each match will last about 45 minutes. All curling equipment will be provided. The tournament is scheduled for Saturday, February 10th. Open to all ages and levels. Get your team of 3 – 6 people (at least 3 are required to compete in each match) together and sign up. Top 2 teams will receive cash payouts ($250 for 1st / $100 for 2nd). $75 entry fee per team. Teams are guaranteed at least 2 matches in this double elimination tournament. Registration will be capped at 8 teams. Come out and cheer these curlers!
THERE ARE TWO MORE TEAM SPOTS LEFT! TO REGISTER, CLICK HERE
If you have any questions reach out to Peter Wilke via email (director@fdlfest.com) or phone (920.923.6555).
Two floor curling rinks will be set up at THELMA on the plaza or inside the 1st floor gallery. Saturday, 9am: First Match (Schedule will be sent out Wednesday prior to the tournament)
Presented by:
With Support from:
This activity has been canceled due to weather. All other festivities are still scheduled throughout Downtown Fond du Lac February 9th – 11th!
New this year at Sturgeon Spectacular is the High School Team Snow Sculpting Competition! High school students from the greater Fond du Lac area will form teams of 3 to 5 and will carve a snow sculpture into their choice of design. Teams who compete will be representing their school in the competition and the winning team will take home customized matching sweatshirts and a traveling trophy to keep at their school until the next competition. Find more detailed competition information and applications at the links below…
Competition Information – Click here
Application* – Click here
*Team Application due by Wednesday, January 31st, 2024
Presented by:
Food Sponsor:
Tools Sponsor:
The Cooper Carriage horse-drawn wagon will be offering free rides through downtown Fond du Lac. The horses will take you past all the festivities and downtown happenings. Each trip will be approximately 15 minutes. Young children can ride on parent/guardian’s lap.
Pick-up/Drop-off Location – 33 Sheboygan Street (Downtown Event Hub)
Running from 10am – 2pm (First come, first served)
Presented by:
With support from Cooper Carriages of Mt. Calvary
Presented by:
With support from:
presented by Busch Light @ Lakeside Park Pavilion
This event has been moved to Downtown Fond du Lac outside Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts for the safety of event participants and attendees.
Come Downtown in Fond du Lac and join us for some Spearing & Beering. Party inside in the warmth or take it outside. Busch Light, the official beer sponsors of Sturgeon Spectacular will be joining us for some fun in the snow! Sturgeon Spectacular Commemorative Steins will also be available – while supplies last.
The Biggest Sturgeon Contest will be hosted at this location this year with the Sturgeon Show-off Station. We’ll be doing live sturgeon reports as well on Facebook. Live feeds will be occurring throughout the day. Special prizes given to anyone that brings their registered sturgeon to the celebration!
Presented by:
With support from:
The following events have been moved to Downtown Fond du Lac inside and around Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts for the safety and best interest of event participants and attendees.
Reminder – no ice is safe ice, and this year that is very important to understand as ice conditions have been deemed unsafe. For this reason, the following ice game that can be, will be adapted to play off the ice.
All Kids Crafts and Activities will be located in the 2nd Floor Gallery and Great Hall at THELMA Sadoff Center for the Arts in Downtown Fond du Lac. Kids may sculpt with model magic, compete in a coloring contest, build a mini snowball catapult, and test their aim with a large snowball target.
Presented by:
Bring the whole family to meet our favorite mascots. Whiffer and Fang from the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers will be joining our Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts celebration and joining in some of the great family-friendly activities.
Brand new Fond du Lac Dock Spiders apparel will be available for purchase right at Lakeside Park Pavilion during the event (Saturday, February 10th only, 10am – 5pm). Check out the all new “Fond du Lac Shantymen” Promotional concept these teams are launching just in time for sturgeon spearing.
There is lots more to see and do during Sturgeon Spectacular, so make a day or weekend of it!
Whiffer & Fang (from the Timber Rattlers) Appearances : 12:00 – 2:00 PM
Fond du Lac Dock Spiders Merchandise available : 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Presented by:
This event has been moved to a Downtown Fond du Lac route for the best interest and safety of all event participants and event goers.
The Beistle Bros Percherson horse-drawn carriages will be taking loops through Downtown Fond du Lac. The pick-up/ drop-off location for these rides is the corner or Portland St and Sheboygan St. Bring the family for the Winter Fun activities or warm up inside the THELMA with some hot chocolate and food. Each trip will be approximately 15 minutes and can fit 15 adults or older children. Young children can ride on parent/guardian’s lap as well.
Portland/ Sheboygan St. (Pick-up & Drop-off)
1:00 – 5:00 PM (First come, first served)
Presented by:
With support from Beistle Bros Percherons
This event has been moved to Downtown Fond du Lac at Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts for the safety and best interest of event participants and attendees.
Come to THELMA from 4 pm – 6pm for even more family-friendly fun, only at Sturgeon Spectacular!
3:30 pm – Brian Holt Balloon Magic
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm – Brian Holt Magic Show
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm ONLY – Free Kids Hot Chocolate
5:00 pm – Light Mini Bonfires
5:00 pm – S’mores kits (makes 4 s’mores) will be available for purchase at the info table starting at 5:00 pm while supplies last.
Presented By:
Warm up after a day on the ice with a night full of laughter! THELMA will showcase three comedians in the Great Hall on Saturday, February 10, ranging from hilarious to gut-busting. More information coming soon. Tickets available now – beat the rush!
Date: Saturday, February 10
Showtime: 7 PM
Bar Opens: 6 PM
Location: Great Hall
Tickets (per seat): $10 General Admission | $15 Pub Table | $20 Bistro Table
**All Members receive additional 20% OFF any ticket price. For table seating, please call us at 920.921.5410!**
The best snow sculptors in the state travel to Fond du Lac to compete in the 2024 Wisconsin Snow Sculpting Competition in hopes of winning a trip to the 2025 US Championship and a $1,000 1st Prize. Sculpting all weekend long.
Daily Schedule:
*Some teams compete well into the early morning hours. Hours vary by day/team.
Friday, February 9, 2024*
1:00 PM – Teams arrive onsite and begin sculpting
Saturday, February 10, 2024*
8:00 AM – 10:00 PM – Competition Site Open for Viewing
Sunday, February 11, 2024*
Teams Compete
People’s Choice Ballots must be turned in at Info Table inside THELMA by 11:00am
Tools Down/ Official Judging begins at 1pm
Awards Ceremony & Spectacular Finale starts at 1:30pm
Presenting Sponsor: Grande Cheese Company
Official Snow Provider: Sunburst Ski Hill
Transportation provided by: Baumhardt Trucking of Eden
Meals provided by Annie’s Fountain City Catering, Top Shelf, Philly’s on 4th, and Eaton’s Fresh Pizza.
The Cooper Carriage horse-drawn wagon will be offering free rides through downtown Fond du Lac. The horses will take you past all the festivities and downtown happenings. Each trip will be approximately 15 minutes. Young children can ride on parent/guardian’s lap.
Pick-up/Drop-off Location – 33 Sheboygan Street (Downtown Event Hub)
Running from 10am – 2pm (First come, first served)
Presented by:
Horses and carriage provided by Cooper Carriages of Mt. Calvary
Presented by:
With support from:
This event has been moved to Downtown Fond du Lac at Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts for the safest and best interests of event participants and attendees.
Learn to curl Saturday, February 11th at Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts. Curl with tips from professionals!
Many more family-fun activities are happening inside, outside, and around Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts until 3 pm Sunday, February 11th!
Presented By:
presented by Horicon Bank @ Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts
This is a perfect opportunity to try out curling. Join the Appleton Curling Club and Fond du Lac Festivals for tutorials and practice on our downtown curling rink. All ages welcome, no experience necessary as we will have experienced curlers showing you the ropes and how to score. All curling equipment will be provided. Waivers are required to participate (located inside THELMA). Bring the whole family and give it a try!
Rink is on the THELMA plaza.
Saturday: 10am – 4pm
Sunday: 10am – 2pm
Presented by:
Special thanks to:
