Fond du Lac's can't-miss events include the USA Patriots softball game, Riponfest and more
FOND DU LAC - The USA Patriots will face the Fond du Lac fire and police departments in a softball game July 8.
All weekend, there is a chance to catch something going on during Riponfest or maybe you'd like to check out some reptiles up close.
Here are five can't-miss events happening in the community this week.
1. USA Patriots softball team makes stop in Fond du Lac
The USA Patriots Amputee Softball team will face the Fond du Lac Fire and Police Department team at noon July 8.
The free game will be played at Herr-Baker Field, 980 E. Division St. Concessions will be available to purchase.
The USA Patriots team is composed of athletic veterans who have sustained limb loss. Each summer, the team tours the country, hoping to encourage others in the communities they travel to.
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A chance to meet the team will be during the USA Patriots Social, set for 7 p.m. July 7 at Korneli’s on the Avenue Roller Rink, 605 Fond du Lac Ave. Tickets are $10 and include one drink. Purchase tickets at Korneli’s or Peak Rehab, 24 W. Pioneer Road.
This is the team’s only appearance in Wisconsin this year. Another highlight of their tour is the kids' camp that will be held in Virginia this year.
2. Plein air art, carnival, live music and more all part of Riponfest
Riponfest is scheduled for July 7-9 at various locations throughout the city of Ripon.
All weekend, attendees can enjoy the carnival, food, drinks and live music. There are also chances to participate in the Ripon Parks and Recreation’s Plein Air Art event. For information and to register, visit ripon.recdesk.com and find the “recreation activities” tab.
Highlights of July 8 include a basketball tournament, parade, flea market and a cornhole tournament. July 9 will see the basketball tournament finish, a car show and a bake sale.
For more about the event, visit Riponfest2 on Facebook.
3. The BIG Event to raise funds for BBBS of Fond du Lac County
The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Fond du Lac County’s fundraiser, The BIG Event — Celebrate Wisconsin, will be held July 13. The event runs 5 to 9 p.m. at the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center, 625 W. Rolling Meadows Drive.
This year’s special guest is Charlie Berens. There will be local celebrity mixologists, and silent and live auctions, as well as a full dinner.
Tickets are $150 per person and can be purchased online at bbbsfdl.org.
4. Scaled Up Expo offers closer look, education on reptiles
Get up close and personal with reptiles during the Fond du Lac Scaled Up Reptile Expo, set for July 9.
The free event runs 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Fond du Lac County Fairgrounds Expo Center, 520 Fond du Lac Ave.
Learn about and interact with snakes, lizards, frogs, turtles, tarantulas and more. There will be reptile-keeping supplies available to purchase along with decor, artwork and more.
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VIP admission opens at 10 a.m. and is $12. General admission starts at 11 a.m. and is $6. Children ages 5 and younger are admitted free. Purchase tickets in advance at eventbrite.com or purchase at the door.
5. Learn about performance artist at Thelma lecture
The Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts offers a chance to learn about Marina Abramović during a Women’s Art History Lecture.
The free talk will begin at 5 p.m. July 11 at Thelma, 51 Sheboygan St. This is an all-ages event.
Abramović is a performance artist with a career spanning more than four decades. Learn about her life and her work in this lecture.
Contact Mara Wegner at mwegner@gannett.com or 920-996-7241.
This article originally appeared on Fond du Lac Reporter: USA Patriots softball, Riponfest top Fond du Lac's can't-miss events
