An event created by a local resident to generate more traffic for Downtown Port Clinton, Wylie, the Walleye, was born in 1995 and made of simply paper mache.

Now, 20 plus years later, there are still 1000s that brave the cold and gathered for hours awaiting Wylie, the Walleye, to Drop as a new year begins. Port Clinton is the “Walleye Capital of the World,” so what else would we do on New Year’s Eve but drop our Brand New LED lit, 20-foot, 600-pound walleye, named Wylie Jr., from the sky at the stroke of Midnight with a spectacular FIREWORKS show to follow! Wylie Sr. is on display, for PHOTO ops, at the Lake Erie Shores & Island office on Route 53 in Catawba.

In 2019, we introduced the 1st Annual “Bar Swim,” a bar loop around the peninsula on HEATED Buses beginning at 7p. A Don’t Drink and Drive Campaign.

• Buses have heat, bathrooms, Wifi and power outlets
• All buses will end their night Downtown Port Clinton 11:30pm. Arriving at each destination approximately every 30 mins.
• “Taxi Alley” will be located on Jefferson Street. All Taxis, Buses, Uber and group transportation may use the area as a turnaround.

Although Port Clinton is a small town on the shores of Lake Erie, its spirit is huge – especially on New Year’s Eve! We are SOOOOO BIG, we have been simulcast on split screen with the ball in New York City. The small town USA energetically promotes the celebration through the dedicated participation of our local merchants, eateries, corporate sponsors, community volunteers and state wide promotional sponsors (Lake Erie Shores and Islands, BAS Broadcasting, FOX 36 Toledo, WPCR Radio and The Beacon of Schaffner Publication Inc.).