Fish-N-Fun Festival 2023 is May 5-6-7th!
The Montello Area Chamber of Commerce has announced that the Fish-N-Fun Festival is set to return on Friday, May 5th through Sunday, May 7th. Food trucks, refreshments and live music will take over West Street downtown, while the carnival and other attractions will be located at City Park. Located halfway between these two locations will be the Vendor Fair, at Daggett Park North, on Park Street and Doty Street. The carnival and festival open at 4:00pm on Friday, and 10:00am on Saturday & Sunday.
DOWNTOWN / WEST STREET
Friday evening, the live band Best Practice takes the stage from 7:00-11:00pm on West Street, sponsored by Rustic Saloon, H&H Pools, and ‘Tween the Lakes Motel. The Montello Historic Preservation Society will be offering desserts and sweet treats for sale at Vaughn Hall Friday evening, and the museum will be open both Friday evening as well as Saturday.
On Saturday, the always popular free Kids Bird House Building sponsored by the Muirland Birding Club, will again take place at Vaughn Hall, starting at 10 am. This is limited to the first 75 kids.
A new event this year will be the Blessing of the Motorcycles, ATVs and UTV’s. This will take place at 10:30am at the City Hall parking lot. Fr. Dale Grubba will do the blessing for the start of a safe riding season.
As the sun begins to set on Saturday, get ready to rock with Road Trip, as they kick off their 32nd year of entertaining. They’ll be on stage from 7:30-11:00pm, sponsored by Metta Homes & Transportation, and Metta Sewer & Excavating.
The Kid’s Fishing Contest returns this year on Saturday. Registration is required and starts at 9:00am, at City Park All legal-sized fish must be brought back by 3:00pm for measuring. This is open to all kids 15 and under. Cash prizes will be awarded in two age categories. Fish must be caught in Montello Lake, Buffalo Lake, Fox River, or Montello River.
The Chamber Welcome Booth will again be doing raffles for goodie bags from local merchants on Saturday and Sunday. Just show your 2023 Fish-N-Fun Button for your free entry. They’ll be on hand Saturday 10-6 and Sunday 10-3.
New this year downtown, are the free kids games, cotton candy, and popcorn for kids at Narrow Road Ministries, located at 47 W. Montello Street from 10am-4pm.
Don’t forget to check out the Open House and Tours at the Montello Fire Station on Saturday, from 9 am till 2pm
On Saturday at Noon, on the West Street stage, the Prairie Thunder Cloggers will be performing.
Another new performance this year will be Clyde Masten’s Tribute to Elvis, and Country & Classic Rock. This popular performer will take the stage on Saturday, from 1pm till 3:30pm, and again on Sunday, from Noon till 3pm. Both performances are sponsored by Yahooz Sports Bar & Grill.
While you’re downtown, remember to check out all of the unique shops and eateries, sidewalk sales, and specials at many of the local businesses.
VENDOR FAIR AREA
The River Country Bass Masters will be hosting their always popular Kid’s Casting Contest from 8am till 2pm near the crafter, vendor, flea market area at the corner of Park Street and Doty Street, between downtown and City Park. Kids can hone their casting skills and compete for some great prizes!
Be sure to browse through the many crafters, vendors, and flea market booths at the corner of Park Street and Doty Street all three days. From handmade craft items, to fishing equipment, you never know what you might find. If you are interested in a booth, contact Heather, at 608-818-2017 or therustystarllc@outlook.com
CITY PARK
Bring the kids to the carnival, with rides and games open all 3 days. Hours are: Friday 4-10 pm, Saturday 10am-10pm, and Sunday 10am-4pm.
The kids will enjoy seeing adorable animals at the Petting Zoo, Saturday 11-5 and Sunday 11-3 at City Park. Enjoy all this cuteness, sponsored by the Montello Care Center.
On Saturday, watch and learn while the Marquette County Sheriff Department K9 Unit demonstrates the many ways their skilled K9 companions assist in law enforcement. Meet their newest K9, Zorro, and his handler Deputy Zeumer, at 4:00 p.m. in the park.
Be sure to check out the Marquette County Farm Bureau Dairy Barn, where they will be selling everyone’s favorite treat...ICE CREAM! Farm Bureau and YFA will be there Saturday 10-7 and Sunday 11-1.
The Montello Lions Club will be providing free children’s eye screenings from 10am ‘til 2pm on Saturday.
In addition to the carnival, music and refreshments, City Park will be hosting Kip’s Fun Show on Saturday in the pavilion, at 2:00pm. This fun and interactive kid’s show is sure to be a hit for families!
On Sunday, the carnival and concessions continue at City Park, along with BINGO in the pavilion at 1:00pm. Try your luck for cash prizes!
On Sunday at City Park, be sure to check out the demonstration of the Marquette County Sheriff’s Office Drone Team. Learn how these new tools help search for missing people, suspects, and more. That will take place at 11:00 a.m.
Sunday is Chicken dinner day! Enjoy a charcoal grilled chicken dinner with all the fixin’s, starting at 11:30am until gone.
The Marquette County ATV Club will again be providing courtesy shuttles between West Street, Craft/Flea Market area, and City Park.
AMERICAN LEGION POST 351
Start off your morning on Sunday, May 7th, with a delicious breakfast served at the American Legion Post 351 on Highway 23, at the west end of Montello. They will be serving your favorite breakfast selections like pancakes, eggs, biscuits & gravy, and more from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. Wear your Fish-N-Fun button to get $1.00 off!
Remember to wear your 2023 Fish-N-Fun button to participate in special sales and drawings at over 30 local businesses, and for entry into hourly drawings at the Chamber Welcome Booth on West Street. The $5 button can be purchased prior to the festival at many local businesses, while supply lasts, and helps support the live music and all the other free fun at Fish-N-Fun activities.
For more information, check out the Montello Fish-N-Fun Facebook page, or go to www.MontelloFishnFunFest.com. Lodging and other area information is available at travelmarquettecounty.com.
