Madness at Midnight

Happy New Years!

We went to the lake for some frozen tundra fun. Synopsis: Lake, Fair Fries, Walleye Drop, Cheesy Singer.

First Up: FAIR FRIES

YES! Nothing like fair fries on a 10 degree evening. Here I am explaining to Chip, I ordered the small fries, but in the "Bucket O Fries" container so my hands didn't get greasy.... But the workers refused to honor my request. He did not buy my story and forced me to pose with my "Bucket O' Fries". I don't care they were delicious.

Next up: THE WALLEYE DROP! (see background at end of post)


Someone dropped the walleye from the crane 2 minutes too early. There was a flurry of activity as people rushed to get that Wylie back up, before midnight. The suspense in the crowd was too much to handle. They did not make it in time. Here is Chip's reporting of the debacle, includes reenactment.

At last but not least: WINERY

Age group of this establishment is 70+ who love to boogie. Which is great, because we love to watch. Entertainment included a guy singing love songs and oldies with such indescribable enthusiasm. It included a lot of pointing to the crowd and group clapping. I could not have written a better character for the grand finale. (i would post his link so you too could experience the fun, but we go to the winery a lot and he is a regular)


AND OF COURSE. A trip to the lake is not complete without a Bear Wardrobe update. He was sporting his New Years attire.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BACKGROUND HISTORY:
Although Port Clinton is a small town, its spirit is huge - especially on New Year's Eve! For the past 14 years, thousands have braved the cold and gathered for hours, in waiting for the "Madness at Midnight" Walleye Drop. Port Clinton is the "Walleye Capital of the World," so what else would they do on New Year's Eve but drop a 20-foot, 600-pound walleye from the sky at the stroke of Midnight! The small town USA energetically promotes the celebration through the participation of local businesses. Restaurants prepare Walleye specialties such as Walleye Chowder, Walleye Sandwiches, Walleye Cinnamon Chips, and Walleye Popcorn. A local Winery has even created a "Walleye White" wine to honor the city's Walleye Fame.