A few years ago, my go-to New Year’s Eve celebration of choice was to hop into my jammies, grab a few snacks, and try to stay awake until the ball dropped in Times Square. Lately, I’ve found a reason to stay out and party with my family (yes, there are plenty of family-friendly New Year’s parties in my area!). One of my favorite ways is to hunt down unusual ball-dropping ceremonies and, it turns, out Ohio has some quirky and cool ones. Looking for a reason to stay out of your jammies this year? Here’s our favorite Ohio New Year’s Eve ball-dropping ceremonies to help you ring in the new year in a unique way!
Something’s Fishy Around Here
Here’s a little bit of trivia for ya about Port Clinton, Ohio. Known as the Walleye Capital of the World, the teeny Lake Erie town goes gaga for all things featuring the fish and even incorporated it into its fun NYE ceremony. Captain Wylie the Walleye has been gracing the presence of the folks in Port Clinton since 1996 and, what started out as a paper mache walleye is now a 600-pound, fiberglass salute! This year, the city’s 20th anniversary of its first “Walleye Drop” is bigger and better than ever! It includes a 4pm Minnow Drop to get the kiddos into bed at a reasonable time and fireworks at midnight.
Can’t make it to Port Clinton this year? A live, free radio broadcast is available on the night of the fishy fun!
The “Wurst” NYE Party Ever!
You’ll have to wait until the year 2020 to catch a glimpse of the Elmore, Ohio Sausage Drop. Not surprising, Tank’s Meats sponsors the event that includes an illuminated 18-foot long sausage, and contests surrounding the meat.
The company loves giving back to the community since the community has given them so much. Now, that’s probably the best, not wurst, type of tribute.
Pop-N-Drop It Like Its Hot!
Remember those crunchy, sticky popcorn balls that were always in every bag of Halloween candy you’d bring home? Marion, Ohio salutes the snack and its history by dropping a giant popcorn ball in its annual Pop-N-Drop New Year’s Eve Celebration. Before the popcorn ball ceremony, there’s an OSU New Year’s Eve Buckeye Bash at 6pm featuring the OSU college football playoff semifinals and plenty of free popcorn and hot chocolate before and after the Pop-N-Drop.
Recent enhancements to the ball from local Tri-Rivers Center welding and engineering students have made it bigger , better – and brighter.
Have you had the pleasure of checking out any of these fun ball-dropping ceremonies in person? Please let me know in the comment section below!
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