Go to Bratfest, Dock Spiders rummage sale and more in Fond du Lac this week

FOND DU LAC – Kids can get a closer look at large vehicles during the Touch a Truck event.

Other family events in the county include Guys Who Grill and Bratfest, both fundraisers.

Also on tap is the comedy of Daniel Van Kirk at Thrasher, and Dock Spiders will hold its annual rummage sale.

Here are the can't-miss events happening this week in the Fond du Lac area.

1. Get a close-up look at rescue vehicles during 'Touch a Truck'

SSM Health Treffert Studios will offer a “Touch a Truck" event from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. May 21 at the Fond du Lac County Skyport, 260 S. Rolling Meadows Drive.

Children and their families can get an up-close look at fire trucks, police cars and a medical helicopter, to name just a few.

Other vehicles scheduled to be available include a concrete truck, a city bus, a tow truck and a Cessna airplane.

Sensory-friendly measures will be taken so there is no machine movement, no flashing lights or sirens, and appropriate spacing between machines to ensure ease of viewing.

The Flight For Life helicopter will land around 4:30 p.m. and will be available for about an hour

For more about the event, call Gina at 920-926-8100 or email treffertstudios@ssmhealth.com. For more about SSM Health Treffert Studios, visit treffertstudios.com.

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2. Enjoy the comedy of Daniel Van Kirk at Thrasher show

Comedian Daniel Van Kirk will perform May 18 at Thrasher Opera House in Green Lake.
Comedian Daniel Van Kirk will perform May 18 at Thrasher Opera House in Green Lake.

Daniel Van Kirk, a Comedy Central “Comic to Watch,” will perform at 7:30 p.m. May 18 at Thrasher Opera House in Green Lake.

Van Kirk was born in Rochelle, Illinois, eventually moving to Chicago. He has been seen on Bob’s Burgers, The NFL Network and The UCB Show. He also co-hosts the weekly podcasts Dumb People Town and Pen Pals.

The Thrasher is at 506 Mill St. Tickets are $30 at thrasheroperahouse.com or 920-294-4279.

3. 'Guys Who Grill' to raise funds for local shelter

May 19 offers a chance to view the grilling competition “Guys Who Grill,” which is a fundraiser for the St. Katherine Drexel Shelter. It will be held 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the parking lot at St. Vincent de Paul, 330 N. Peters Ave.

Each grill team will serve up an appetizer-sized portion of grilled or smoked items using a special technique or recipe. Goodies range from appetizers, meats, sandwiches, veggies and desserts.

Ticket-holders will get to try each entry and vote for their favorite for the People’s Choice Award. The judges will give their award at 1 p.m.

Tours of the St. Katharine Drexel Shelter will be given throughout the day.

Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for children. Purchase online at solutionsfdl.org or at St. Katherine Drexel Shelter, 358 N. Peters Ave. Cash or check is accepted in person.

4. Game gear, T-shirts and more available at Dock Spiders rummage sale

The Dock Spiders will hold its annual rummage sale May 18 at Herr-Baker Field on the campus of Marian University. The sale will run 3 to 6 p.m. and includes game-worn team gear, T-shirts, Wisconsin Timber Rattlers items, Northwoods League apparel and more. These items are not eligible for returns, exchanges or further discounts.

The Dock Spiders’ season gets under way on Memorial Day, May 27. Home games feature giveaways, special deals, live music, movies and more.

Season tickets and group packages are available at dockspiders.com or by calling 920-907-9833. The box office and team store regular hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, though the box office will be open during the May 18 sale.

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5. Thank a community service worker during Bratfest May 23

Bratfest 2024, honoring veterans, police, fire and rescue personnel for their sacrifice and commitment to community, will be held May 23. The event will run 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Adashun Jones, 1028 S. Main St.

Community members, families and friends are all welcome to attend. Food, activities and ceremonies will honor veterans and first responders.

Proceeds will benefit Fond du Lac County VA, VFW, Sheriff’s Department, City Police, Fire, and Rescue departments.

Food tickets and donations may be purchased in advance at hometowntickets.com/events/hometown-heroes-brat-fest.

Contact Mara Wegner at mwegner@gannett.com or 920-996-7241.

This article originally appeared on Fond du Lac Reporter: Fond du Lac Bratfest and Dock Spiders rummage sale top events