Explore The Fun And Taste Of Fondue Fest

Fondue Fest is an annual festival held in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, that draws over 20,000 people to the city's downtown area. The festival features live music, games, pony rides, local vendors, and, of course, fondue. The cheese and chocolate fondue are prepared by culinary students at Moraine Park Technical College, and proceeds from the festival go towards educational trips for the students. In addition to fondue, the festival offers a variety of food options, with around 200 vendors selling arts, crafts, and food. The event also features multiple music stages, a kids' zone, and a car show.

Live music

Fondue Fest is an annual festival held in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, that attracts more than 25,000 people, making it the largest one-day festival in the city. The festival features live music across multiple stages, showcasing a diverse range of genres.

The live music at Fondue Fest is a highlight for many attendees, with something to suit every taste. The festival typically has three to four music stages, each featuring a variety of talented artists and bands. The main stages are positioned at the north and south ends of the festival grounds, with additional stages set up throughout the festival area, including in front of popular venues like Fat Joes on Division Street, 18 Hands Ale Haus & Biergarten, and Top Shelf Bar & Grill.

The musical lineup at Fondue Fest covers a wide range of genres, ensuring there is something for everyone. Past performances have included a mix of local and regional artists, as well as Grammy-nominated acts, adding to the festival's diverse and vibrant atmosphere. The festival organisers carefully curate the lineup to appeal to a broad audience, creating a well-rounded and inclusive musical experience.

Fondue Fest's live music offerings cater to a variety of preferences, from blues to rock and everything in between. The 2023 edition, for example, featured artists such as Austin Skalecki, Milwaukee Blues Rock Collective, and Tuesday@5 on the north stage alone. Each stage presents its own unique lineup, allowing festival-goers to explore different genres and discover new favourite artists.

In addition to the live music, Fondue Fest offers a plethora of other attractions, including a Kids Zone, art and craft vendors, a Farmers Market, a car show, and of course, plenty of delicious fondue. The festival is organised by the Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership, who aim to promote local businesses and create a sense of community in the downtown area. Fondue Fest has become a beloved tradition, drawing people from near and far to celebrate and indulge in a day of music, fun, and, of course, fondue.

Kids' entertainment

Fondue Fest is an annual festival held in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. It is the largest one-day festival in the city, with an attendance of over 25,000 people. The festival offers a wide range of entertainment options for kids, making it a fun and engaging event for families.

The Kids Zone at Fondue Fest is a dedicated area that offers a variety of activities specifically designed for children. This year, the Kids Zone will feature bike races for different age groups, ranging from 2 to 13-year-olds. There will also be pony rides, face painting, and temporary tattoos, providing a fun and interactive experience for children of all ages.

In addition to the Kids Zone, Fondue Fest also offers a range of other entertainment options that are sure to delight kids. Live music will be performed on multiple stages, featuring a variety of genres. Children can enjoy listening to their favourite songs, dancing along, and discovering new types of music.

For those who enjoy creative activities, the art and craft vendors at Fondue Fest will provide a great opportunity to explore their artistic side. Children can browse the unique handmade items, interact with the vendors, and even create their own crafts to take home as memorable souvenirs.

Fondue Fest also offers a unique opportunity for children to learn about culinary arts and experience different types of food. The famous cheese and chocolate fondue, prepared by culinary students, is a highlight of the festival. Children can watch the fondue-making process, learn about the ingredients, and enjoy dipping delicious treats into the melted cheese and chocolate.

Furthermore, Fondue Fest provides an opportunity for families to spend quality time together and create lasting memories. Children can explore the festival grounds, interact with other kids, and enjoy the festive atmosphere. The variety of activities and entertainment options ensure that there is something for everyone, making it a fun-filled day for the entire family.

Art and craft vendors

Fondue Fest is an annual festival held in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, that attracts over 25,000 people, making it the largest one-day festival in the city. The event features multiple stages with live music, a kids' zone, a farmers' market, a car show, and vendors selling art, crafts, and food.

The art and craft vendors at Fondue Fest offer a diverse range of handmade creations, showcasing the talent and creativity of local artisans. From paintings and sculptures to pottery and jewellery, festival-goers can expect to find unique and one-of-a-kind pieces to admire and purchase.

One of the highlights of the festival is the opportunity to interact with the artists themselves. Many vendors set up booths or displays where they not only exhibit their artwork but also demonstrate their creative process. Visitors can engage in conversations with the artists, learn about their techniques and inspirations, and even commission custom pieces.

In addition to traditional art forms, Fondue Fest also showcases contemporary and innovative crafts. Local artisans present their unique takes on home décor, accessories, and functional art. This includes handmade candles, soaps, and fragrances, as well as upcycled and repurposed items given new life by creative hands.

The art and craft vendors add a vibrant and eclectic dimension to Fondue Fest, providing visitors with a chance to appreciate and support local artistic talent. Whether one is an art enthusiast or simply seeking a memorable souvenir, the festival offers a delightful journey through the creative landscape of Fond du Lac and its surrounding areas.

Cheese and chocolate fondue

Fondue Fest is an annual festival held in Fond du Lac, with an attendance of over 25,000 people. The festival features live music, a kids' zone, arts and crafts vendors, a farmers' market, a car show, and, of course, cheese and chocolate fondue.

For a cheese fondue, you can use a variety of cheeses such as Swiss, Gruyere, Manchego, white cheddar, or a Mexican cheese blend. You can serve it with a variety of dippers, including fresh vegetables, tortilla chips, breadsticks, or fruits like apples and cherry tomatoes.

To make a cheese fondue, you can start by stirring garlic in a fondue pot over medium heat. Then, add some dry sherry and reduce the heat. Once the liquid starts to bubble, gradually add the cheese, stirring until it's melted and combined. You can add cornstarch dissolved in sherry to thicken the mixture.

Chocolate fondue, on the other hand, typically consists of chocolate, heavy cream, and sometimes additional flavourings like cherry brandy or extracts. It is important to use high-quality chocolate to ensure a smooth and even melt. You can dip a variety of treats into the chocolate, such as strawberries, bananas, marshmallows, pretzel sticks, or Rice Krispies treats.

When preparing chocolate fondue, it is recommended to use a medium-sized pot or large saucepan over medium-low heat to warm up the heavy cream and/or whole milk. Be careful not to let the mixture boil. Then, slowly melt the chocolate, stirring constantly to avoid scorching. Once the chocolate is fully melted and combined, add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavour.

Farmers' market

Fondue Fest is an annual festival held in Fond du Lac, with an attendance of over 25,000 people. The festival centres around a tent set up on the corner of Forest Avenue and Main Street, where chocolate fondue is served with strawberries and cookies to dip. The event is supported by Moraine Park Technical College's culinary arts students and teachers, who also prepare cheese fondue. The funds raised help students to participate in culinary activities around the world.

The Farmers Market is a key part of Fondue Fest, with vendors set up along Main Street. The market offers a wide variety of vendors selling fresh, locally-grown produce, plants, flowers, baked goods, meats, cheese, and arts and crafts. The Fond du Lac Farmers Market accepts EBT/Wisconsin SNAP benefits, and many vendors also accept WIC Farmers Market Vouchers.

The Saturday Farmers Market season runs from May to October, with the market open from 8 am to 12 pm. The market is pet-friendly, with all pets required to be leashed and under control. Vendors are also allowed to offer out-of-state produce that is not readily available locally, such as Michigan peaches and berries, but this produce can only make up to 20% of their total offerings.

The Downtown Fond du Lac Thursday Night Market is held on five nights during the summer months, from 5 pm to 8 pm. This market is a vibrant, open-air street market with a unique, inclusive, family-friendly atmosphere. In addition to the fresh produce, there is also live music, prepared foods, and local artists.

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