presented by C.D. Smith Foundation @ On display - Sheboygan Street
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 partners, Foot of the Lake Fishing Club, one of the shanties will be raffled off during the Sturgeon Spectacular festivities on Saturday, February 13th at 2pm. Walk through the shanty and see what it’s like to be out on the ice with the other 10,000+ spearers out on the lake prior to giveaway.
Tickets will be available soon. Stay tuned for more information!
Walk-through Tours, tickets sales (while tickets last) and more information available during the following times:
Friday (6pm – 8pm)
Saturday (10am – 2pm)
Exhibition will be on display from January 28, 2021 – March 13, 2021
What the Paper Reveals by Lora Vahlsing
An artist exchange talk will begin at 6 pm on Thursday, January 28 with a Q&A about her exhibition: What the Paper Reveals.
Lora is a local artist living in Wisconsin. We will meet with her in-person and for those who wish to participate virtual, you may via Microsoft Teams.
Reserve your spot: In-person or via Microsoft Teams.
A mask or face covering is required in the building.
If you choose to watch the Q&A talk at home, we will email you to connect with us on January 28.
Free admission and open to the public. Cash bar available.
Please RSVP HERE.
As a visual artist, I create sensorial experiences that invite contemplation. I use familiar materials and shapes, seeing them in new ways. In my current series What the Paper Reveals, the pieces are both open-ended and precise. My vision focuses on slow art, objects that need precision over a sustained period. My origins are in poetry, drawing, and movement. I invite viewers to re-conceive the world around them, referencing the natural world through intricate forms and light.
I sculpt paper because I enjoy the challenge of transforming a familiar material. Paper holds the recorded light of trees and I’m interested in this history, the origins of a material. I’m driven to discover and explore subjects of place, memory, and time. It’s an insistence of expressing personal narratives in their complexity: beauty and pain, light and shadow, private and public. I sculpt paper in two and three-dimensional forms to heighten spatial perception. My pieces are largely monochromatic because I’m drawn to the subtleties of shape; an often muted or limited color palette heightens visual sensitivity.
The physicality of sewing by hand is essential, even if the stitches aren’t visible. I’m creating my own webs, intricate stitches barely perceptible from a distance. I’m fascinated with the texture of stitches, and how they hold materials together. The scarring is important, to memorialize places of healing and acknowledge their beauty.
A mask or face covering is required in the building. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding.
Galleries are free to view during normal business hours:
Monday: 10 – 5 pm
Tuesday: 10 – 5 pm
Wednesday: 10 – 5 pm
Thursday: 10 – 7 pm
Friday: 10 – 5 pm
Saturday: 10 – 3 pm
Closed on Sundays
at the Fond du Lac Public Library @ Fond du Lac Public Library
Come to the Fond du Lac Public Library for some cool Take-and-Make activities for all ages. These are free kits that can be picked up at the main circulation desk inside the Fond du Lac Public Library located at 32 Sheboygan Street. Please use the parking lot entrance on the south side of the building or the curb-side pick-up area on Portland Street, and call the main library line (920-929-7080). And see more at the FDL Public Library Facebook Page here.
Youth Take-and-Make
Celebrate Fond du Lac’s annual Sturgeon Spectacular with a special take-and-make kit available this weekend only. Kits are first come, first served and supplies are limited. Limit of one kit per child. Pick-up February 12th – 14th.
Adult Take-and-Make
Stop by Fond du Lac Public Library starting Saturday, Feb. 6 to pick up a clay-sculpting kit so you can enter our virtual snow sculpture contest! Create your own sculpture at home and submit a photo by Feb. 12 to be entered in the contest. Entries will be displayed in the windows of FDLPL that face Sheboygan Street during Sturgeon Spectacular. Submit photos by email (reference@fdlpl.org) or on Facebook to be entered in the contest for a chance to win a winter-themed prize pack. Kits are first-come, first-served, and a limited supply is available.
All Take-and-Make kits can be picked up at the main library desk
Come celebrate Sturgeon Spectacular and winter in Fond du Lac at Top Shelf Bar & Grille. As part of the festivities, Top Shelf is hosting 3 nights of entertainment. Check out the awesome line-up below:
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10TH
Pub Trivia with Record Entertainment at 7pm-9:30pm
More details here – Trivia at Top Shelf
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12TH
FREE Live Music (Julio Reyes) 8pm-11pm
More details here – Julio Reyes
FREE Karaoke – Record Entertainment 11pm-2am
More details here – Karaoke at Top Shelf
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13TH
FREE Live Music (Chris Hodgson) 8pm-11pm
More details here – Chris Hodgson
FREE Club Night at Top Shelf 11:30pm-2:30am
More details here – Club Night at Top Shelf
Hot Chili & Cold Beer @ 18 Hands Ale Haus
Come check out 18 Hands all weekend long. We’re only 1 block away from the snow sculptures at Thelma. Come have a bowl of hot chili after seeing the snow sculptures. Hot chili & cold beer! Chili served at our Ice Bar all weekend. Support Fond du Lac area farmers as we use only local beef in our chili. Butcher shop fresh beef from Loehr’s Meats in Campbellsport
18 Hands – Click here for website
presented by Lakefront Brewery & Lee Beverage @ Various bars throughout downtown Fond du Lac
All locations are offering the official beer of Sturgeon Spectacular, Lakefront Brewery as well as beer and other specials. No alcohol consumption or possession will be allowed outside of each establishment or outside of event space.
Various bars throughout downtown Fond du Lac (must ask for Sturgeon Special at time of purchase)
Participating Locations:
2.0 Ale House – 65 N. Main Street
18 Hands Ale Haus – 18 E. Division Street
Brick House – 161 S. Main Street
Coliseum – 91 S. Main Street
End Zone – 507 N. Main Street
Fat Joe’s – 15 W. Division Street
Korneli’s Bar – 8 5th Street
Lobby Bar at Hotel Retlaw – 1 N. Main Street
O’Davey’s Pub – 36 4th Street
Slim & Chubby’s – 109 S. Main Street
*Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts – 51 Sheboygan Street
Theo’s – 24 N. Main Street
Third and One – 2 N. Main Street
Top Shelf Sports Bar & Grille – 90 S. Main Street
Ziggy’s Pub – 213 S. Main Street
Note: Times and specials may vary by location.
The best snow sculptors in the state travel to Fond du Lac to compete in the 2021 Wisconsin Snow Sculpting Competition in hopes of winning a trip to the 2022 US Championship and a $1,000 1st Prize. Sculpting all weekend long.
*All participants/attendees will be asked to follow CDC guidelines related to masks and social distancing. Event organizers and partners will be following CDC guidelines for Coronavirus prevention and will be taking steps to limit any possible spread at our outdoor events.
Daily Schedule:
*Some teams compete well into the early morning hours. Hours vary by day/team.
Friday, February 12, 2021*
1:00 PM – Teams arrive onsite and begin sculpting
Saturday, February 13, 2021*
10:00 AM – 10:00 PM – Competition Site Open for Viewing
Sunday, February 14, 2021*
Teams Compete
Judging begins at 1pm
Awards Ceremony starts at 2:00pm
Presenting Sponsor: Eden-Valders Stone
Official Snow Provider: Sunburst Winter Sports Park
Transportation provided by: Baumhardt Trucking of Eden
Meals provided by Annie’s Fountain City Cafe, Downtown Deli, Market & Cafe, Eaton’s Fresh Pizza, and Festival Foods of Fond du Lac.
The Sturgeon Spectacular kicks off at Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts on Friday night!
THELMA is bringing Copper Box lead singers, Danny and Michelle, to put on an outdoor live show for you! Get ready for some Roots/Americana music loaded with energy and a mountain of instruments, influenced by blues, jazz, rock, polka, etc.
Enjoy music inside THELMA and warm up by dancing (socially distanced of course) or enjoying a hot beverage! Plus watch the snow sculptors get started! Drink specials will be available for purchase steps away inside THELMA’s art gallery including spiked hot cocoa and more.
Dress for the weather!
The Running of the Sturgeon and Sturgeon displays will be available for viewing Friday night prior to the kick-off celebration. Displays and floats, please arrive by 5:30pm. Grab your friends, and dress up in your favorite Wisconsin garb and join Schmooch Schneider in chasing after and spearing the elusive sturgeon. Floats will have parking available to join the party on Sheboygan Street. The festival will be following CDC guidelines for Coronavirus prevention and will be taking steps to limit any possible spread at our outdoor events. Attendees are asked to wear a face covering as well.
Route: Stationery Parade will be on display on Sheboygan Street between Main and Portland Street
Parade display between 5:30 – 7:00 PM
presented by Horicon Bank @ Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts
Presented by Horicon Bank, learn to Curl with curling experts from the state and participate in the 2nd Annual Downtown Curling Fond du Lac Funspiel. This tournament is designed to teach beginners the world of curling and have some fun in the process. Each match will last about one half hour. All curling equipment will be provided. The tournament is scheduled for Saturday (& Sunday, if necessary). Open to all ages and levels. Get your team of 4 – 6 people (at least 3 are required to compete in each match) together and sign up. Top 3 teams will receive medals, with top 2 teams receiving cash payouts ($250 for 1st / $100 for 2nd).
Registration is now full. I apologize for any inconvenience. If you have any questions reach out to Peter Wilke via email (director@fdlfest.com) or phone (920.923.6555).
*All participants/attendees will be asked to follow CDC guidelines related to masks and social distancing. Event organizers and partners will be following CDC guidelines for Coronavirus prevention and will be taking steps to limit any possible spread at our outdoor events.
Downtown Curling Rink – next to Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts Outdoor Plaza (Hot & Cold Beverages will be available for purchase starting at 8am. No Carry-ins!)
Saturday, 8am: Learn to Curl begins at 8 AM (Saturday)
Saturday, 9am: First Match
Sunday (Schedule: TBA)
Note: The schedule will be announced Wednesday, February 10th. Team Captains will receive an email with first match time and other details. Get your teams together now!
*All participants/attendees will be asked to follow CDC guidelines related to masks and social distancing. Event organizers and partners will be following CDC guidelines for Coronavirus prevention and will be taking steps to limit any possible spread at our outdoor events.
Saturday, February 13, 2021
Winter Playland Kids Activities: 10am – 4pm
Family Snow Sculpting Competition: 1 – 4:00 pm
Judging at 4pm; Awards at 4:30pm
Sunday, February 14, 2021
Open Sculpt: 10am – 2pm
Viewing of Amateur Snow Sculptures – ALL DAY
Supported in part by:
The ACE Academy Shanty will be raffled off at 2pm prior to the start of the Sturgeon Olympics as well. Get your tickets now at Hopper’s (77 N. Main Street, Fond du Lac)
Sturgeon Olympics Youth Competition: 11am – 1:00pm (Free to compete). Awards and prizes to follow.
ACE Academy Sturgeon Shanty Raffle Drawing: 2pm
Sturgeon Olympics Team Competition: 2pm – 5pm (Registration required). Awards to follow.
Sunday, February 14, 2021
Sturgeon Olympics Open Challenges (Free for all ages): 10am – 2pm
Supported in part by:
Dress for the weather!
*All participants/attendees will be asked to follow CDC guidelines related to masks and social distancing. Event organizers and partners will be following CDC guidelines for Coronavirus prevention and will be taking steps to limit any possible spread at our outdoor events.
Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership @ Various locations in downtown Fond du Lac
The Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership is holding its 12th Annual Chili Crawl on Saturday, February 13th from 11 am -2pm.
Participants pay a $10 entry fee to taste a variety of unique chili recipes prepared by downtown businesses and home cooked contestants. 200 tickets will be available soon for sale at Hoppers Silk Screening & Trophy (77 N. Main) for cash or check only. Upon check-in, crawlers will receive their official Chili Crawl Map and voting ballot. Crawlers will vote on their favorite home-cooked and restaurant varieties.
Once completing the crawl, return your ballot to Hoppers and receive your official Chili Crawl t-shirt.
Event Check-in: Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership (131 S. Main Street) from 10:30am – 12:00pm
Participating locations – various downtown businesses, map provided at check-in
Locations participating:
Restaurant Category
Fat Joe’s Bar and Grill
Hotel Retlaw
Top Shelf Bar & Grill
Brick House
Ziggy’s Pub
Home-cooked Category
Ubuntu Art Space
O’Davey’s Pub
The Goldsmith
State Farm
Third and One
18 Hands Ale Haus
Korneli’s Bar
Presented by Grande Cheese @ Various Locations, Downtown Fond du Lac
Pick up an event brochure at any of the participating locations and walk through beautiful downtown Fond du Lac to see these talented ice carvers create works of art right on the sidewalks of downtown. Get your picture taken with each one.
*All participants will be asked to sign a liability waiver and we will also be following CDC guidelines related to masks and social distancing. Event organizers and partners will be following CDC guidelines for Coronavirus prevention and will be taking steps to limit any possible spread at our outdoor events.
Downtown Sculpture Locations (Block Sponsors):
- National Exchange Bank & Trust – 130 S. Main Street
- Gallery & Frame Shop – 94 S. Main Street
- Ubuntu Art Space – 52 E. Division Street
- Hoppers Silk Screening and All Star Trophy – 77 N. Main Street
- 18 Hands Ale House – 18 E. Division Street
- Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts – 51 Sheboygan Street
- Hotel Retlaw – 1 N. Main Street
- Riverwalk Art Center – 33 W. 2nd Street
Presenting Sponsor – Grande Cheese
And a special thanks to all the block sponsors for their support!
presented by Lakefront Brewery & Lee Beverage @ Coliseum
Registration is now full. Good luck to the field!
Lakefront Brewery & Lee Beverage will be hosting a Cornhole Tournament at Coliseum Sports Bar & Grill, located at 91 S. Main Street, Fond du Lac, WI. Food, beverages and Lakefront Beer on tap (must be 21+) will be available for purchase.
The tournament will follow ACL rules. Bring a Partner. Bring your own bags, if ACL approved. Double elimination, best of 3 in 1st round and winner’s bracket, best of 1 in losers bracket. Race to 21 in all games (its okay to go over 21, no bust rule). Full details will be announced at start of tournament. Coliseum will be open at 10:30am, so please check in at least 15 minutes before start. Must be 18 years or older unless you have a parent or guardian’s signature.
Cornhole Tournament: 11:30 am – 4 pm. On-site check in will open at 10:30am. All teams are required to check in at least 15 minutes ahead of tournament time.
All proceeds will go to local charities!
1st Place receives $200* + Lakefront Brewery Swag
2nd Place receives $125* + Lakefront Brewery Swag
3rd Place receives $75* + Lakefront Brewery Swag
*Winnings will be mailed in the form of a check at the conclusion of the event.
Lakefront Brewery, the official beer sponsors of Sturgeon Spectacular will be offered at a number of downtown locations. Check the “Sturgeon Specials” for these “Spear the Beer” Special locations.
*All participants will be asked to sign a liability waiver and we will also be following CDC guidelines related to masks and social distancing. Event organizers and partners will be following CDC guidelines for Coronavirus prevention and will be taking steps to limit any possible spread at our events.
If you have any questions about the event, please reach out to info@fdlfest.com.
Instead of sitting and looking at the snow this winter, get creative with it and join us for a snow sculpting class! In this one hour hands-on class, learn the basic techniques for snow sculpting along with how to use different tools to achieve various looks, textures and shapes. Then apply your newly mastered techniques immediately afterwards in an amateur snow sculpting contest on Sheboygan Street! Families and groups will be assigned their own snow block to carve over a 2 hour time period. Judging will begin at 4 pm and awards presented at 4:30 pm.
1 – 2 pm: Learn the basics of snow sculpting in this one hour class
2 – 4 pm: Family or Individual Snow Sculpting Competition
4 – 4:30 pm: Judging and awards presented
Students under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Teams for amateur snow sculpting contest should consist of 1-4 individuals.
Basic tools will be supplied, but you are encouraged to bring additional tools.
Here is a list of some tools you could bring:
Various sized kitchen utensils (spoons, knives, forks, metal/rubber spatulas, etc.)
Ice or paint scrapers
Small snow shovels or picks
Woodworking tools (chisels, hand saws, screwdrivers, etc.)
Gardening tools (spades, trowels, etc.)
Paint brushes
Spray bottle for water
Any other tool that removes/scrapes/cuts/smooths snow
Single admission: $10 per class ($8 for THELMA members)
Family admission: $20 per class ($16 for THELMA members)
Family admission allows two or more members of a household to attend at the group rate.
Entry in class will guarantee a spot in the Family/Amateur Snow Sculpting Class. Limited to 20 entries.
presented by Ahern @ Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts
Get your teams together to create your own snow sculpture, just like the professionals. You will create your own snow form, sculpt and shape it until you’ve created your very own masterpiece. Teams should consist of 1 – 4 individuals and they can range in age. THELMA will be hosting a snow sculpting class prior to this event for anyone interested. Registration will be available on THELMA’s website soon. Check back for details.
*All participants/attendees will be asked to follow CDC guidelines related to masks and social distancing. Event organizers and partners will be following CDC guidelines for Coronavirus prevention and will be taking steps to limit any possible spread at our outdoor events.
Families and school groups encouraged to join! Reach out to Pete Wilke (director@fdlfest.com) for more information.
Corner of Sheboygan Street & Portland Street
Learn to Sculpt Class at THELMA: 1 – 2pm
Family/Amateur Snow Sculpting Competition: 2 – 4pm
Judging will begin at 4:00 pm and awards given at 4:30pm on THELMA Plaza
Featuring She’s Right, I’m Left @ Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts
She’s Right – I’m Left, a clever name play on handedness, this husband & wife based group dishes up an eclectic, intriguing mix of acoustic folk, rock and blues tunes! Familiar covers and cleverly crafted originals are sure to captivate and entertain the most diverse audiences!
With Jenny, Dave, Max & Russ from the Maple Road Blues Band, they bring their own spin on acoustic rock, folk and blues music!
Featuring Kovalence @ Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts
We’ve brought this duo just for YOU. Kovalence is an acoustic duo bringing you music from virtually every genre. Featuring Kevin Hanson on guitar and vocals and Kimberly Unger on violin and vocals, this duo performs songs by artists like Alan Jackson to Metallica, and everything in between.
Free admission, but come early as we may meet capacity limits!
Come to see one of the most entertaining and high-energy bands in Wisconsin. The music starts at 9:30 pm, but the party lasts all night long.
The festival will be following CDC guidelines for Coronavirus prevention and will be taking steps to limit any possible spread at our events. Attendees are asked to wear a face covering at all indoor events and competitions.
Food & Drink for purchase during designated times