Port Clinton, Ohio

Walleye Fests

Port Clinton is "The Walleye Capital of the World."

And 14 years ago, to honor their scaly mascot, this Lake Erie resort community began dropping a 20-foot, 600-pound Walleye on New Year's Eve. "The idea arose just where most great ideas are generated ... in a bar!" says Mike Snider, Walleye Madness at Midnight Committee Chairman. "We're on our second fish (named Wylie Walleye); the first fish was paper Mache and went to 'the great lake in the sky' after the second drop." This year's festivities include a rock-paper-scissors challenge, fireworks at midnight and a band boasting a walleye-shaped guitar.

May kids had a great time playing on the playground equipment!

Port Clinton brings in Jan. 1 with a plummeting walleye.