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!
Join us in celebrating the Sturgeon Spectacular, the beauty of winter, and more importantly SNOW! Sunburst Ski Hill believes that the best memories are made with snow, and we agree! Get your family, friends, or go outside solo and find your best winter backdrop.
Contest Rules:
All ages are eligible to participate. Submit a photo to Facebook using #SunburstBestMemories or send an email to info@fdlfest.com with subject line “Sunburst Best Memories” before midnight on Monday, February 12th and you’ll be entered to win four Sunburst ski or tubing passes and some really cool Sturgeon Spectacular gear. Judges will select the winner from all entrants on Thursday, February 15th and the winner will be posted on the Fond du Lac Festivals and Destination Lake Winnebago Facebook pages.
To qualify, photos must include snow and capture “The Best Memories”.
PRESENTED BY:
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 SSM Health @ Lakeside Park Pavilion
Come and join us for a scenic run throughout Lakeside Park in Fond du Lac. The course will circle through and tour Lakeside Park. Registration will be open until the day of the run/walk. Race day registration will begin at 9am on Saturday, February 10th at Lakeside Park inside the pavilion. The 1/2 mile Kids Fun Run for ages 12 and under is absolutely free and includes a shirt. Early registration for the 5K Run/Walk will be available through midnight, Tuesday, January 23rd. You can still get a 2023 commemorative, long-sleeved T-shirt (pictured left) and registration for $25. After Tuesday, January 23rd, the price will be $20 and it will NOT include a Sturgeon Spectacular long-sleeve T-shirt.
Participants with strollers and/or dogs are asked to please line up in the back at the start. Please stick around for other awesome Sturgeon Spectacular festivities at Lakeside Park and within Downtown Fond du Lac.
On-site check-in: 9 AM
1/2-Mile Kids Fun Run for ages 12 and under: 10 AM
5K Run/Walk: 10:30 AM
Presented by:
Special thanks to the Fond du Lac Running Club for their involvement.
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:
Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership @ Various locations in downtown Fond du Lac
Feeling “chili” from all that time on the ice? Celebrate Sturgeon Spectacular with a walk in Downtown Fond du Lac for the 15th Annual Chili Crawl being held Saturday, February 10th, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
For just $15, crawlers can taste different chili concoctions made by our downtown businesses. The downtown business voted into the top spot gets the bragging rights of being called the year’s best chili!
On the morning of the event bring your ticket to 131 S. Main Street to check-in. There you will receive your official chili crawl map and voting ballot. Check-in opens at 10:00 a.m. and ends at 12:00 p.m. Chili is available beginning at 11:00 a.m.
Ballots will be split to allow voting on best restaurant chili and best home-cooked chili. Feel free to choose your own route for each stop.
The last stop on the crawl is Hopper’s Silk Screening and All-Star Trophy where your completed ballot can be redeemed by 2:00 p.m.
Downtown Fond du Lac shops and restaurants are open to the general public of all ages during this event. The Sweet Stroll will be held rain or shine.
Tips
• Avoid waiting in line by picking up your materials starting at 10:00 a.m. on February 10th.
• Wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, since you’ll be walking outdoors between locations.
• Post photos to Instagram and Facebook using hashtag #downtownfdl.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to amy@downtownfdl.com or megan@downtownfdl.com
Tickets are transferable, but not refundable. Transferring a ticket to another individual is the responsibility of the ticket holder. The Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership will not facilitate exchanges.
2024 Competing Locations
- 18 Hands Ale Haus and Biergarten
- Beauty Republic Salon & Co.
- Brick House
- Coliseum Sports Bar and Grill
- Cujak Wine and Spirits
- Fat Joe’s Burgers and Brews
- Hopper’s Silkscreening and All Star Trophy
- THE Dispensary Fond du Lac
- The Main Pub
- Throwback Pockets
- Victoria’s Pet Nutrition
Only 200 tickets sold (while supplies last) – available online only! (Click green ticket link above)
Check-in at Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership (131 S. Main Street) from 10am – 12pm, day of
Presented by:
As part of the Sturgeon Spectacular Winter Festivities the weekend of February 9 – 11, 2024, Fond du Lac Festivals is teaming up with the Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership to bring you a fun event for all ages… just in time for Valentine’s Day. Open to all ages!
On the morning of the event bring your ticket to 131 S. Main Street to check-in. There you will receive your official Sweet Stroll map. Check-in opens at 10:00 a.m. Sweets will be available beginning at 11:00 a.m.
Join us for a walk around downtown and vote for the best sweets in town!
Participating Locations:
Only 200 tickets sold (while supplies last) – available online only! (Click green ticket link above)
Check-in at Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership (131 S. Main Street) from 10am – 12pm, day of
Presented by U.S. Bank @ Various Locations, Downtown Fond du Lac
As of now, the sculpting WILL go on! Stay tuned for more updates, but we’re taking steps to keep the ice until right before the event and protect it from the elements!
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. And a special thanks to all the block sponsors for their support!
Downtown Fond du Lac Sculpture Locations (Block Sponsors) – see below
- Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts – 51 Sheboygan Street
- Edith’s Bridal & Tuxedos – 9 S. Main Street
- 18 Hands Ale Haus – 18 E. Division Street
- Lillians – 27 S. Main Street
- Top Shelf Bar & Grille – 90 S. Main Street
- Gallery & Frame Shop – 94 S. Main Street
- Craft City Bottleshop & Taproom – 103 S. Main Street
- The Goldsmith – 177 S. Main Street
- Hotel Retlaw – 1 N. Main Street
- Fat Joe’s Burgers & Brews – 15 W. Division Street
Presenting Sponsor:
Part of THELMA’s Sturgeon Spectacular Free, Family-friendly Activities
Location: Great Hall & 2nd Floor
Times: 11am – 4pm
For more info, click here
Presented by:
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!**
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:
