Fond du Lac Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
FOND DU LAC, Wis., Jan. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Community of Fond du Lac comes together again February 9-11 2018, to host what has quickly become a region-wide midwinter classic, the 3rd Annual Sturgeon Spectacular! This winter celebration featuring events inside, outside, on the ice, and off the ice is rooted in the often quirky traditions of Sturgeon Spearing, unique to this region. Crowds will enjoy Ice Kiting events on the frozen surface of Lake Winnebago as well as a plethora of events at our two major hubs of activity -Lakeside Park and Fond du Lac’s vibrant downtown district. Highlights of the 2018 edition of Sturgeon Spectacular include a kick-off parade starting with The Running of the Sturgeon, live musical performances with headliner Boogie & the Yo-Yo’z, ice carving and snow sculptures, comedy shows, and the hilarious “Guys on Ice” Broadway-style musical. There is something for everyone – from outdoor hockey to fat tire bike racing, massive bonfires, Family Fun Zones, food and drink specials, and so much more!
“As we enter our third year for the Sturgeon Spectacular, the event has truly evolved into an exciting multi-generational winter spectacular, attracting not only visitors to the area, but bringing the community together to celebrate what Fond du Lac is known for world-wide — its unique Sturgeon Spearing tradition on Lake Winnebago. We have put together an exciting line- up of activities, both on and off the ice, indoors and outdoors, as well as throughout the community! C’mon in and join us to celebrate all things Sturgeon with live music, food, fun, and endless exciting activities,” said Craig Molitor, President and CEO of the Fond du Lac Area Visitors & Convention Bureau.
Fan Favorites and New Events for Sturgeon Spectacular 2018 include:
On the Ice:
29th Annual Sturgeon Stampede – February 9-11 – Get the party started with ice sailing, snow kiting, bonfire, ice bowling, food & games, ½ mile off shore from Sunset on the Water Grill & Bar.
In-Town:
Wisconsin Snow Sculpting Competition presented by Sunburst Winter Sports Park – February 9 -11 – located in Downtown Fond du Lac, outside the Thelma Sadoff Arts Center. The best snow sculptors in the state and region will be competing for a trip to the 2019 U.S. Competition and prize money.
Running of the Sturgeon Parade presented by Grande Cheese – February 9 – New this year – Parade starts with the Running of the Sturgeon, and features, floats, music, and more. The Parade starts at Western Avenue (Fourth Street) & Main Street and travels North towards Sheboygan Street at 6PM.
Sturgeon Spectacular Kick off Celebration & Concert featuring Copper Box – February 9 – at Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts. Doors open at 6PM, live music at 7PM. Food trucks will be on site and beverages will be available.
Guys on Ice – February 10 & 11 – at Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts – one of the most hilarious Broadway-style musicals about ice fishing, friendship and Wisconsin culture is back for three performances.
Fond du Lac’s Annual Sturgeon Spectacular – Big Fish and Really Big Fun (Fond du Lac Area Convention and Visitors Bureau)
Winter Fun presented by Ahern – New this year – paint your own Sturgeon, learn the basics of snow sculpting, create your own snow sculpture.
Ice Sculpting presented by Kwik Trip – New this year – carvers will be located throughout downtown on the sidewalk creating works of art from ice.
Chili Crawl – sample chili at participating businesses and vote for your favorite.
Comedy Sportz – February 10 – at Thelma Sadoff Arts Center – New this year – the famous Milwaukee Comedy Sportz teams battle for supremacy with audience participation, two shows.
Lakeside Park:
Girls Youth Hockey Tournament presented by Blue Line Family Ice Center – February 10 & 11 –
– New this year – Held for the first time on the ice rink at Oven Island in Lakeside Park from 8AM-5PM. Concessions will be offered by the Blue Line Ice Skating Center.
Spear the Fatty Fat Tire Bike Race presented by Wheel and Sprocket – February 10 from
10AM -1PM – As part of the Wheel & Sprocket Hugh Jass bike series, racers of all levels will race through Lakeside Park and participate in games like Hammaschlagen along the way. Demo bikes will be available for anyone interested in trying out a Fat Tire Bike for the first time!
Lakeside Park Winter Fun Zone presented by Horicon Bank – February 10 & 11 – New this year – bring the whole family out to Lakeside Park to participate in the Winter Fun Zone. Activities include mini-golf in the snow, sculpt & decorate the Gigantic Sturgeon, games, fast pitch snowball competition, and much more.
Sturgeon Spectacular Saturday Concert with Boogie & The Yo-Yo’z– February 10 from 7:00PM-10:30PM – Oven Island at Lakeside Park in a heated tent. Enjoy the music and watch the Sturgeon Queen be crowned! Tent is open to guests 21 years of age and older. In addition, ice-skating, DJ, and other activities are nearby for those under 21 years old.
Bonfires – February 10 – Oven Island in Lakeside Park – ceremonial bonfire lit at 6PM.
Sturgeon Queen Competition presented by the Goldsmith – February 10 from 5PM – 7PM.
The Sturgeon Spectacular weekend also features restaurant, retail specials and hotel packages for visitors and local families that want to enjoy a “staycation.” Please visit fdl.com/ss for a complete list of activities, times, specials and fun.
The Fond du Lac Area Convention & Visitors Bureau goal is to market the area as a top travel destination and to impact the local economy through meetings, tourism, and as a business advocate and supporter. Established in 1975, the Fond du Lac Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is committed to influencing economic development and attracting travelers to the greater Fond du Lac and Lake Winnebago region. For the second year in row, Fond Du Lac County showed the biggest increase of 72 counties in the state of Wisconsin in direct tourism visitor spending and total business sales, based on a study released by the Wisconsin Department of Tourism in 2017. For more information visit www.fdl.com.
