Sturgeon Spectacular

media release: Fond du Lac Festivals Inc. (FFI) with support from festival partners, Destination Lake Winnebago Region (DLWR) and Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts (THELMA), is excited to announce that the Sturgeon Spectacular Winter Festival, including the popular Wisconsin Snow Sculpting Championship, will go on with some changes to event locations. Despite unseasonably warm weather in late January and early February and many fishing clubs urging people to stay off the ice, the second weekend in February will host the ninth-annual, family-friendly, free event for all ages to enjoy. One major event modification is that all activities scheduled for Lakeside Park will move to downtown Fond du Lac.

“Sturgeon Spectacular is a perfect way for families to embrace winter and enjoy the outdoors,” said Fond du Lac Festivals Executive Director, Pete Wilke. “FFI and our festival partners have discussed the best and safest way to move forward despite the warmer temperatures. And we’re proud to announce the show will still go on, including a crowd-favorite – the Wisconsin Snow Sculpting Championship. Fortunately for us and all event goers, we’ve developed this event to be somewhat weather-proof.”

THELMA and Downtown Fond du Lac are excited to welcome visitors and tourists to the area again. There will be a variety of activities happening at THELMA and throughout the downtown district, including the Wisconsin Snow Sculpting Championship, ice sculpting, horse drawn carriage rides, the 15th Annual Chili Crawl, and a Valentine’s themed Sweet Stroll. 

“Although it doesn’t necessarily feel like winter these days, we are excited for another year of winter fun, and we look forward to having many people visit our downtown,” said Shannon Kupfer, Executive Director of THELMA.

“We are delighted to see the return of Sturgeon Spectacular, our community’s quirky and fun-filled homage to the mighty sturgeon. As has always been our goal, we will focus on creating an environment ideal for families and fun-seekers of all ages! Festival goers will enjoy family-friendly activities in the Downtown District, with tons of things to do indoors and outdoors. It’s Sturgeon Season, so bring on the fish, polka, and good times. Who knows, maybe we’ll still see snow.” said Craig Molitor, President and CEO of DLWR.  

There are many ways for individuals, families, and other groups to enjoy this fun-filled festival. Please visit FDL.com/SS for the most up-to-date schedule and see what is in store at this year’s Sturgeon Spectacular. Festival organizers encourage you to come out and enjoy all the fun in Fond du Lac, February 9-11.