Raffles for a cause
A chance to win. A way to give back.
Every ticket helps support our community.
Port Clinton, Ohio
Big fish. Bigger celebration.
Ring in the New Year at the Walleye Drop.
Celebrate with us. Give back to our community.
A New Year’s Eve tradition on the shores of Lake Erie.
December 31
New Year’s Eve, together.
The midnight moment
A countdown like no other.
Downtown Port Clinton
Our hometown. Your next tradition.
One unforgettable night
Make a night of it.
Take a little Wylie home
Wylie’s Bait Shop
Shirts, collectibles and hometown pride.
Good finds that do good for Port Clinton.
Donations for a cause
Help keep the celebration safe.
Support the community we call home.
The celebration, the story and the ways to give back—explore everything right here.
Event details ↓The hometown tradition
The catch of the year.
Every New Year’s Eve, Downtown Port Clinton comes together for a celebration you won’t find anywhere else. Thousands gather in the self-proclaimed Walleye Capital of the World to welcome the New Year with Wylie Jr., fireworks and the Bar Swim.
At midnight, the 20-foot, 600-pound LED-lit walleye descends—and the celebration lights up the sky.
20 ft
Wylie Jr.’s larger-than-life length
600 lb
One unforgettable hometown icon
Midnight
The annual New Year’s Eve drop
The Bar Swim: a safer way to celebrate
Introduced in 2019, the Annual Bar Swim is a peninsula-wide heated-bus bar loop promoting safe, responsible celebration through the “Don’t Drink and Drive” initiative.
The heated buses provide return service to Downtown Port Clinton.
Bus route map coming soon.
Grand Prize Raffle: a big catch for a good cause
The Grand Prize Raffle supports local community efforts and New Year’s Eve events in and around Port Clinton. Winners are drawn New Year’s Day.
Linked Zeffy campaign details
- Campaign title: “Win in 2027 Fishing Charter, Lodging, Jet Express Tickets.”
- Listed window: October 14, 2026 at 6:00 PM to January 1 at 12:00 AM EST.
- Ticket: $10. No need to be present.
- Prize: Pooh Bear Fishing Charter & Pond Condo Lodging, value $1,500 — fishing trip for up to 6 people and one night lodging.
- Prize: 2 Jet Express Tickets & Stay at Blame Jaime Downtown PC, value $300 — Jet Express tickets for 2 and overnight lodging for up to 4 people.
- Weekdays only; blackout dates may apply.
The NYE 50/50 raffle
A chance to win. A way to give back. Join the Wylie Walleye Foundation’s NYE 50/50 raffle and help support meaningful work in our community.
Tickets are $5 per chance, with the option to add a donation to support the foundation.
Visit the raffle listing for full details and current ticket availability.
Beyond New Year’s Eve
Good times. All year long.
The Foundation hosts inclusive events year-round, bringing people together while supporting local community efforts.
From the signature Walleye Drop and Bar Swim to seasonal fundraising, each gathering supports celebration, community, and giving back.
Past summer fundraiser
Dog Days of Summer
A past summer fundraiser at The Bait House River Bar brought together music, food, raffles and people-friendly pups.
- Free admission; donations appreciated.
- New Year’s Eve Grand Prize raffle tickets.
- Wylie merchandise and sponsorship or volunteer information.
- Live music and dinner from a food truck.
- Bring people-friendly pups for a chance to win a gift basket.
Past fundraiser—not an upcoming event.
See ways to get involved
Good people. Brighter tomorrows.
More than a midnight moment
Big celebrations.
Local impact.
We’re here for the place we call home.
The Wylie Walleye Foundation brings people together, supports local businesses and helps fund community projects in Port Clinton and the surrounding area.
Memorable events become meaningful local support. It’s all about strengthening the community we love.
Explore our community grantsFrom humble beginnings to national fame
What began in 1995 as a creative way to bring more energy and visitors to Downtown Port Clinton has grown into a vibrant tradition of celebration, community, and giving back. A local resident built a paper-mâché walleye named Wylie to mark the New Year in a uniquely Port Clinton way.
Today, the signature New Year’s Eve Walleye Drop remains a must-see spectacle. Thousands gather annually to watch Wylie Jr., a 20-foot, 600-pound LED-lit walleye, descend at midnight, followed by fireworks.
More than events, the Foundation works to enhance residents’ quality of life and support local initiatives. Event success is reinvested in the hometown through community grant programs for local nonprofits, beautification projects, and small-business initiatives.
Recognition and collaborators
- Past events have received statewide recognition and have been featured alongside national celebrations, including a split-screen simulcast with the Times Square Ball Drop.
- Named collaborators/partners: Lake Erie Shores & Islands, FOX 36 Toledo, WPCR Radio, and The Beacon.
Our vision and core values
Our vision is a thriving Port Clinton community that celebrates its identity year-round, attracts visitors in every season, and uplifts local residents through meaningful events and charitable support. We aim to be a catalyst for economic growth, civic pride, and collaboration by investing in memorable experiences and impactful local initiatives.
Core values
- Community Pride — celebrate and promote Port Clinton’s unique culture, heritage, and people.
- Economic Impact — bring people downtown and support small businesses, especially during winter.
- Collaboration — work with local organizations, businesses, and volunteers to make a lasting difference.
- Giving Back — invest in local projects, programs, and initiatives that strengthen and support the community.
- Inclusivity — create welcoming, family-friendly events accessible to everyone.
Meet our board
Meet the people behind the foundation.
Joe Kuzma
Board Chair
Michele Loddo
Board Treasurer
Lindy DeFrank
Board Member
Chris Carrisales
Board Member
James Hensley
Board Member
Don Clemons
Board Member
A little hometown personality
Meet Wylie.
Wylie Walleye is a regionally recognized mascot for the Walleye Capital of the World, bringing attention not only to the Walleye Drop but to the entire Western Basin of Lake Erie.
Organizations can bring Wylie to a sale, event, or festival. Foundation volunteers can bring Wylie in wagon or costume form for a small fee that covers transportation and maintenance costs.
Bring a little Wylie personality to your next event. Contact the foundation to discuss availability and arrangements.
Giving back to the place we love
Local ideas.
Real community support.
Contributions from our community and friends make the foundation’s local grant program possible. Grants range from $250 to $1,000 and help eligible nonprofits carry out meaningful work.
Projects serving the City of Port Clinton or Ottawa County are preferred, with priority for new programs or work reaching new and different clients.
Who can apply?
- Only nonprofit, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations are eligible.
- Projects must have community or internal value.
- Local projects affecting the City of Port Clinton or Ottawa County are preferred.
- Priority is given to programming reaching new or different clients or to a new program.
- Capital items are funded only when depreciable and specific in nature.
Bring your idea to life.
Have a project that makes a difference in Port Clinton or Ottawa County? Explore the grant guidelines and tell us how your organization can help our community.
Funding restrictions and exceptions
Not generally funded
- General operating expenses, including payroll/payroll expenses, insurance, license fees, rent, fundraising costs, research, marketing, professional fees, general building or maintenance repairs, utilities, taxes, vehicle expenses, and travel expenses.
- Debt repayment; projects, programs, or purchases already expensed before grant approval; Lines of Credit; and Endowments.
- Operating-expense exceptions may be made when the expense is used solely for a designated program not previously offered, directly relates to charitable purpose/community service, or expands an existing related program to significantly increase beneficiaries.
- Building maintenance, repairs, additions, and replacements may be funded when they primarily benefit a portion directly associated with charitable purpose/community service.
Grant review and reporting
Complete your application online and review the grant policies before applying.
Review and reporting
- The Board of Directors reviews each submission and recommends grants to Foundation Trustees, who make final allocations. Recipients are notified in writing.
- Approved applicants sign a Grant Agreement and complete and return a Grant Report. A traditional report is due within six months. Transformational grant reports may be multiple and due per the Grant Agreement or, if silent, within six months of each receipt of grant funds.
The foundation verifies charitable exemption status using the IRS website.
2027 Walleye Drop sponsorship opportunities
Partner with Wylie.
Celebrate a Port Clinton tradition while supporting local businesses and community initiatives. Choose a premier event sponsorship, support an event experience, or become a community supporter.
Qualifying sponsorships include social media, print advertising and event banner recognition.
Premier Event Sponsorships
Presenting Sponsor$3,0002–4 available
- Premier recognition, prominent logo placement and presenting sponsor billing.
- Company logo on event shirts and sweatshirts.
- Optional designated shuttle pickup location or festival vending space.
Entertainment Sponsor$1,5002 available
- Recognition for supporting live entertainment.
- Business name on event shirts and sweatshirts.
Celebration Sponsor$1,000Unlimited
- Recognition on promotional materials and signage.
- Business name on event shirts and sweatshirts.
Bus Stop Sponsor$85010 available
- Support event transportation.
- Optional designated pickup location.
- Logo on shuttle promotional materials and exclusive placemat advertising (new).
Event & Experience Sponsorships
Minnow Drop Sponsor$750Up to 4
- Recognition for the children’s Minnow Drop celebration.
- Opportunity to display Wylie Walleye at your business for one day.
Fireworks Sponsor$7507 available
- Recognition for supporting the midnight fireworks display.
Community Sponsor$500Unlimited
- Business recognition on event promotional materials.
Community Supporters
Supporting Sponsor$250
- Recognized on the Friends of Wylie display board.
Friends of Wylie$100
- Recognized on the Friends of Wylie display board.
Wylie’s Hero$50
- Recognized on the Friends of Wylie display board.
Don’t Drink & Drive$25
- Recognized on the Friends of Wylie display board.
Sponsorship limits shown are from the 2027 guide. Contact the foundation to confirm availability.
Partner with us: payment and logos
Submit an application to start the conversation. Payment, invoicing and sponsorship availability are arranged separately with the foundation.
High-resolution logo submission
Email high-resolution business logos to WylieWalleyeFoundation@gmail.com no later than December 1, 2026.
Check payment and mailing instructions
Checks should be payable to Wylie Walleye Foundation. Mail your printed application and payment to:
Wylie Walleye Foundation
P.O. Box 584
Port Clinton, OH 43452
You may instead select Please invoice me in the application. Payment and invoicing are arranged separately.
Thank you to our 2027 sponsors
The people behind
the celebration.
Our 2027 sponsors help bring the Walleye Drop to life and support the community we call home. Thank you for being part of this Port Clinton tradition.
Bus Stop Sponsors
Supporting Sponsors
Don Rodwancy
Community Sponsors
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Built by our community
Help keep the
tradition going.
The foundation is always looking for people who want to help. Bring your time, your energy and your love for local.
Join a committee
Help behind the scenes.
Work an event
Bring the celebration to life.
Help online
Support our online efforts.
Whatever your skills, there’s a way to help keep this hometown tradition going. Tell us how you’d like to get involved.
Take a little Wylie home
Wylie’s Bait Shop.
Shirts, collectibles and Port Clinton pride. Every purchase supports the foundation’s mission and the community it serves.
Good finds. Local good.
Find Wylie apparel and collectibles in our shop. Check the shop for current products and sizes.
Shopping through Zeffy helps support the foundation’s mission.
Illustrative merchandise image. Use the official shop to see actual products.
A party with purpose
A little generosity.
A real local difference.
Choose how you’d like to give back: support the foundation’s community work or help fund safer New Year’s Eve transportation. Every contribution helps us look out for the place we call home.
Give once or choose a recurring donation through Zeffy. Select a suggested amount or enter your own.
$30$75$125$300Your amount
The foundation’s Zeffy form states that 100% of your donation goes to its mission.
The moments that bring us together
Memories made here.
Relive Wylie memories from 2025, 2024 and 2023. Choose a year below to see the photos.
2025 photos
2024 photos
2023 photos
We’d love to hear from you
Let’s talk Wylie.
Questions about the Walleye Drop? An idea for our community? We’d love to hear from you.
Email the foundation.
Reach out about events, partnerships or supporting the foundation’s work in Port Clinton.
WylieWalleyeFoundation@gmail.comWrite an emailSend us a message.
Have a question, a community project in mind or a way you’d like to help? Share it with the Wylie Walleye Foundation team.
Send a message