presented by C.D. Smith Foundation @ Various Locations
THE ACE SHANTY RAFFLE IS OFFICIALLY COMPLETED. PLEASE SEE WINNERS BELOW:
1st Place – Winner of the 2023 ACE Academy Shanty – James Krueger (from Malone, WI)
2nd Place – Winner of a Bowe Spear & Spearing accessories – Sam Black
3rd Place – Winner of a Bowe Spear – Nick Venne
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 3 out of the last 4 years.
$10 raffle tickets are now available at the following locations:
- 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
See photos of 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 13th 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 Tuesday, February 14th 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:
We have a winner (yes, already). Stella the Sturgeon in the Find the Little Lost Sturgeon contest has been found!!! Winning details coming Thursday (January 26th)!!
Hello, my name is Stella the Sturgeon. I need your help because I’m lost! I really need someone to bring me home before Sturgeon Spectacular, so I don’t miss all the fun.
Before you run out to find me there are a few things you should know. – I am within the Fond du Lac City limits! I can easily be found without destroying property or tearing anything apart. I am outside! Oh yeah! And maybe the most important thing of all there is a $597.70 reward for the first person to bring me home!
The nice people at Destination Lake Winnebago Region and Sunny 97.7 are going to help you find me! Every other day (M-F) they will be publishing clues about where I am. These clues will be on Facebook (Destination Lake Winnebago Region Visitors Bureau at 8 am) (Sunny 97-7 at noon), Instagram (destinationlakewinnebago), and live on the radio (Sunny 97-7) at noon after the news! You can also find them on fdl.com when you click the contest tab.
I really hope you find me soon! It is cold out here in the Wisconsin Winter. Please remember to be respectful as you look for me! I am just a little baby sturgeon, so be on the lookout!
See you soon!
Stella
Rules:
• Stella the Sturgeon is hidden on public property; you do not have to dig or destroy anything to find it!
• She is not in a local cemetery, or on private property!
• The person who finds Stella will find further instructions on how to claim the prize.
• Winner must consent to a photo to be published across multi-platforms.
• Clues will not be given over the phone.
• Stella the Sturgeon will not be within 15 ft of any body of water.
• Contest ends Monday, February 13th at midnight.
Presented by:
Sturgi wants to go sturgeon spearing, but he lost all of his equipment! All of Sturgi’s lost items can be found at various downtown Fond du Lac businesses. Once you spy a piece of equipment picture simply write the location you found it in the space below the matching picture on the back of this form.
HINT: Searching from the outside will give you a clearer peek. All items are hidden in storefronts. No need to enter the business unless you’re looking to shop or dine! The items you are looking for are the same exact items that are pictured on the back of this form.
There are 20 hidden items and you must find all 20 to be eligible for a chance to win. All items will be found within the parameters of the map below. (The items are laminated and no larger than 7 inches long & no smaller than an inch wide.)
Pick up and return your “Sturgi Scavenger Hunt” ballot to the Lake Winnebago Region Visitor Center, 23 S. Main Street, Monday-Friday 8am-5pm. Forms can be picked up, emailed, or found at fdl.com beginning Monday, January 23, 2023 and must be returned to the Visitor Center by 3pm Monday, February 13, 2023 or returned via email by 3pm Monday, February 13, 2023 to lwustrack@fdl.com. Winner will be announced Wednesday, February 15, 2023.
Or download your ballot HERE
Winners will be picked randomly from correct, completed ballot entries. Winner will receive $597.70.
Presented by:
presented by Fleet Farm @ Wendt's on the Lake
Are you a spearer? Do you know a spearer? If you or someone you know is lucky enough to spear a sturgeon during the 2023 sturgeon spearing season, enter to win the Biggest Sturgeon Contest presented by Fleet Farm. There are 3 ways to enter:
- Bring your harvest to Wendt’s on the Lake on Opening Day (Saturday, February 11th) 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 2023” in the subject line and include the name of the spearer and date harvested*
*Only 2023 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 26th to qualify. All entries will be collected and a random drawing will occur on Monday, February 27th. 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.
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 2023 Wisconsin Snow Sculpting Competition in hopes of winning a trip to the 2024 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 10, 2023*
1:00 PM – Teams arrive onsite and begin sculpting
Saturday, February 11, 2023*
8:00 AM – 10:00 PM – Competition Site Open for Viewing
Sunday, February 12, 2023*
Teams Compete
Judging begins at 1pm
Awards Ceremony & Spectacular Finale starts at 2:00pm
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 Cafe, 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 February 11th 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 24th. You can still get a 2023 commemorative, long-sleeved T-shirt (pictured left) and registration for $23. After Tuesday, January 24th, the price goes up to $27 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 @ Lake Winnebago (behind Lakeside Park Pavilion)
Join us for the 5th 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 11th. 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 3 teams will receive medals, with top 2 teams receiving cash payouts ($250 for 1st / $150 for 2nd / $75 for 3rd). $75 entry fee per team. Registration is now closed and the field has been set with 12 teams from across Wisconsin. Come out and cheer these curlers on out on the ice!
If you have any questions reach out to Peter Wilke via email (director@fdlfest.com) or phone (920.923.6555).
Two rinks will be set-up on Lake Winnebago and beverages will be available for purchase on-site. No Carry-ins!
Saturday, 9am: First Match (Schedule will be sent out Wednesday prior to the tournament)
Presented by:
Special thanks to:
The Breezy Hill Campground horse-drawn carriages will be offering free rides through downtown Fond du Lac. The horses will take you past all the festivities and downtown happenings. There will be two loading/unloading zones (see below). Each trip will be approximately 15 minutes. Young children can ride on parent/guardian’s lap.
Pick-up/Drop-off Location #1 – 33 Sheboygan Street (Downtown Event Hub)
Pick-up/Drop-off Location #2 – 16 E. 2nd Street (Downtown Winter Market*) for more info – click here
Presented by:
Horses and carriage provided by The Wiltzius Family & Breezy Hill Campground
presented by Spectrum @ Lakeside Park Pavilion
Bring the whole family out to Lakeside Park to participate in our Snow Land . Activities/attractions include ice & snow castles, snow track mazes, ice bowling, broom ball, photo ops, snow sculpting, and a special appearance by Weaver of the Fond du Lac Dock Spiders. Indoor games and activities also available.
Saturday, February 11, 2023
Winter Playland Kids Activities: 10am – 6pm
Meet the Mascots (Weaver & Fang): 12 – 2pm
Create your own shanty, mini sculptures & crafts, face-painting & other indoor activities: 12 – 4pm
Spectacular Entertainment, Bonfire w/ S’mores, & more: 4pm – 8pm (Free food & hot chocolate for the kids from 5 – 6pm provided by Top Shelf)
Presented by:
With support from:
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. Bring the whole family and give it a try!
Rink is next to Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts.
Saturday: 10am – 4pm
Sunday: 11am – 3pm
Presented by:
Special thanks to:
presented by Lakefront Brewery & Lee Beverage @ Lakeside Park Pavilion
Come to the Lakefront Brewery bar set up inside Lakeside Park Pavilion. Party inside in the warmth or take it outside. Participate in games including Hammerschlagen, ice bowling, broom ball, or join the Outdoor Curling Funspiel. Lakefront Brewery, the official beer sponsors of Sturgeon Spectacular will be doing a Special Tapping of a Lakefront Exclusive Black Forest Cake flavored Bottom Feeder Ale starting at noon – while supplies last! Sturgeon Spectacular Commemorative Steins will also be available – while supplies last.
Check out the Live Look-ins at Wendt’s on the Lake to see sturgeon on the big screen inside the pavilion. Live feeds will be occurring every hour, on the hour starting at 12pm and ending at 4pm. Special celebrity DJs will be playing their favorites and taking requests. Special prizes given to anyone that brings their registered sturgeon to the celebration!
*Concessions available onsite from Downtown Deli, Market & Cafe
Presented by:
With support from:
Dress for the weather!
Part of THELMA’s Sturgeon Spectacular Free, Family-friendly Activities
For more info, click here
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 14th Annual Chili Crawl being held Saturday, February 11th, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
For just $10, 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 11th.
• 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 amber@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.
2023 Competing Locations:
- 18 Hands Ale Haus & Biergarten – 18 E. Division
- CC’s Chocolates – 57 N. Macy
- Cujak’s Wine & Spirits -47 N. Main
- Fat Joe’s Burgers & Brew – 15 W. Division
- Korneli’s Bar – 8 5th
- Main Pub – 241 S. Main
- PS, Beauty Lounge – 59 N. Main
- The Hotel Retlaw – 1 N. Main
- The UPS Store – 114 S. Main
- Three Aces North – 111 S. Main
- Top Shelf Bar & Grill – 90 S. Main
- Victoria’s Pet Nutrition – 14 N. Main
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 10 – 12, 2023, 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:
- Argentum et Aurum – 111 S. Main
- Blue Marble Botanicals – 28 N. Main
- CC’s Chocolates – 57 N. Macy
- Craft City Bottleshop & Taproom – 103 S. Main
- Fat Joe’s Burgers & Brew – 15 W. Division
- Fond du Lac Cyclery – 209 S. Main
- Gallery & Frame Shop hosting The ARC of Fond du Lac – 94 S. Main
- H & H Hobby – 79 S. Main
- Hang 10 Poke – 74 S. Main
- Indigo Gallery – 104 S. Main
- Main Street Fashion – 117 S. Main
- PS, Beauty Lounge -59 N. Main
- The UPS Store – 114 S. Main
- Thrive Church – 79 E. Second
- Ubuntu Art Space – 52 E. Division
- Victoria’s Pet Nutrition – 14 N. Main
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) starting at 10am (day of)
Presented by U.S. Bank @ 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. And a special thanks to all the block sponsors for their support!
Downtown Fond du Lac Sculpture Locations (Block Sponsors) – see below
- Copper Cock Tavern – 30 N. Main Street
- Edith’s Bridal & Tuxedos – 9 S. Main Street
- 18 Hands Ale Haus – 18 E. Division Street
- Ubuntu Art Space – 52 E. Division Street
- Lillians – 27 S. Main Street
- Knight Barry Title – 69 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
Presenting Sponsor:
Have fun with the whole family and enjoy some Sturgeon mini games and activities inside the warmth of Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts.
Part of THELMA’s Sturgeon Spectacular Free, Family-friendly Activities
For more info, click here
Presented by:
Come solo or get your family/classmates/friends together to create your own snow sculpture, just like the professionals.
We encourage schools and other groups to create a friendly competition and select students to represent their school at this fun and engaging competition. Recommended ages 5 – 12.
Teams of 2 – 6 students possible (one group per school please) Adults are encouraged to accompany children for safety purposes.
Winning team will be announced at Spectacular Finale on Sunday, February 12th (2pm) and through social media (if allowed). Winning team will also receive Sturgeon Spectacular/ASTOP swag.
Theme: “Midwest” Feel free to sculpt something that represents the Midwest to you. This can be a representation of a place, person, food, tradition, or anything!
*FOR MORE INFO or TO RESERVE A SNOW BLOCK:
Email by Wednesday, February 8th
Stephanie Jo at director@astop.org
Tools will be provided and check-in will be starting at 12:00pm at the library’s north entrance (32 Sheboygan Street, Fond du Lac).
Families and school groups encouraged to join! Reach out to Pete Wilke (director@fdlfest.com) for more information.
Corner of Sheboygan Street & Portland Street
Check-in inside FDL Public Library’s north entrance: 12:00pm
Kids/Family Snow Sculpting Competition: 12 – 3pm
Judging will begin at 3:00 pm and winning sculpture will be announced at the Spectacular Finale – Sunday @ 2pm.
With support from:
ASTOP is a nonprofit sexual assault service provider offering treatment, outreach, prevention, and advocacy. They emphasize hope and connection to self and others while providing service in Fond du Lac and Green Lake Counties. ASTOP values its commitment to Victims and Survivors, and guarantees their services will remain 100% free. For more information, visit www.ASTOP.org.
Bring the whole family to meet our favorite mascots. Weaver from the Dock Spiders and Fang from the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers will be joining our Lakeside Park celebration and joining in some of the great family-friendly activities. Take your photo with them, help them build a snowman, challenge them to a game of ice bowling or play a game of broom ball.
Brand new Fond du Lac Dock Spiders apparel will be available for purchase right at Lakeside Park Pavilion during the event (Saturday, February 11th only, 10am – 6pm). 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!
Weaver & Fang Appearances : 12:00 – 2:00 PM
Fond du Lac Dock Spiders Merchandise available : 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Presented by:
Join us for the first ever Sturgeon Spectacular Sheepshead Tournament. Basic play, 5 players per table, 5 handed Jack of Diamonds and there will be 48 hands…
Reserve your seat today by contacted Alene “Al” Leazer today. Must be registered by 1:30pm, day of tournament.
Must be registered by 1:30pm on Saturday, February 11th.
Contact Al Leazer to reserve your seat (920-979-9268)
Pay-out based on 30 individuals registered:
1st Place: $200
2nd Place: $100
3rd Place: $75
4th & 5th Place: $50 each
6th – 10th Place: $25 each
The Breezy Hill Campground horse-drawn carriages will be taking trips to the Lighthouse and back from Lakeside Park Pavilion on Saturday, February 11th afternoon. Bring the family for the Winter Fun activities or warm up inside the Pavilion with some hot chocolate and food. A line will be formed in front of Lakeside Park Pavilion. Each trip around Lakeside Park will be approximately 15 minutes and can fit 8 adults or older children. Young children can ride on parent/guardian’s lap as well.
Lakeside Park Pavilion (Pick-up & Drop-off)
3:00 – 6:00 PM
Presented by:
With support from The Wiltzius Family & Breezy Hill Campground
Bring the whole family and gather round the bonfire at the Lakeside Park @ Pavilion Point. Kids, grab a free hot chocolate (courtesy of Top Shelf & Downtown Deli to Go), or purchase a S’mores Snack Kit at the Information Table for $5 (while supplies last). There will be mini-fires for you to roast marshmallows and make your own S’mores. 4 S’mores per pack. Enjoy music, ambiance, and comradery as the first day of sturgeon spearing comes to a close. Food & drink available for purchase from Top Shelf & Downtown Deli to Go inside the Pavillion.
Parking along Promen Drive and on Oven Island
Spectacular Bonfire to be lit at 5:00 PM
Free Hot Cocoa for the kids: 5:00 – 6:00 PM
S’mores Kits for sale, while supplies last
Capture the beauty of Lake Winnebago in this relaxing paint and sip during Sturgeon Spectacular weekend! Take your pick of wine or a specialty cocktail. Open to all experience or skill levels.
Materials: Provided, but you’re free to bring your own
$32 – Members / $40 – Non-members
Enjoy music inside THELMA and warm up in The Great Hall Ballroom… Dancing encouraged! Plus watch the snow sculptors on Sheboygan Street! Drink specials will be available for purchase steps away inside THELMA’s art gallery including a hot-toddy inspired “Whiskey Whiskers”, spiked hot cocoa, mocktails, and more.
Concert at 7 pm
The Great Hall Ballroom
Cash Bar opens at 6 pm
Free admission!
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. Bring the whole family and give it a try!
Rink is next to Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts.
Saturday: 10am – 4pm
Sunday: 11am – 3pm
Presented by:
Special thanks to: