FOND DU LAC (NBC 26) — The annual Sturgeon Spectacular is back, and it's as quirky as ever.
Friday night, the festival began with a parade in downtown Fond du Lac. At the front of the line was a man, Craig Molitor, dressed as a sturgeon. Chasing him were kids with toy spears.
"Some fool dresses like a sturgeon," Molitor said. "The fool looks a little bit like me - kind of gray hair, thinning. He's chased down the street by kids with toy spears."
It's not your typical parade, but a sturgeon is not your typical fish.
"That fish is so ugly, you just got to love it," Molitor said. "We built this festival around the unique and quirky tradition of sturgeon spearing."
Friday's parade was just the start. This weekend's events include a snow sculpting contest, a community bonfire, live music, and more.
"This is my fourth year coming down watching it, having the parade, have a bonfire out in the park, watch the fireworks out here and everything," Fond du Lac resident Larry Rhoades said. "It's pretty cool. It's all part of sturgeon people and little kids watching it."
Add it all up, and the Sturgeon Spectacular makes a great compliment to a Wisconsin tradition.
"It's just an awesome, vibrant time," Molitor said.
