Fun, quirky events around Ohio, from walleye to popcorn
New Year’s Eve won’t be completely back to normal this year. The family-friendly First Night celebration, first held in 1995 and most recently in 2019 at COSI, won’t happen this year. Some other venues, including Shadowbox Live, which normally celebrate the occasion will be shuttered for the evening. But those looking to enjoy the ending of the year will find plenty of options.
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Those who would like to venture out around the state can find plenty of unusual ways to celebrate the departure of 2021 and arrival of 2022, as communities statewide put a local spin on the tradition.
Toledo
Want to celebrate a day early, with thousands of balls instead of just one? Make your way to Toledo’s Imagination Station, a hands-on science museum located at 1 Discovery Way, Toledo.
At 2:22 p.m. on New Year’s Eve Eve (Dec. 30), 22,000 balls will be dropped from the ceiling of the museum, followed by two “ballsplosions” outdoors, including balls containing tickets for prizes. Guests can also make noisemakers (and noise) and bouncy balls and decorate celebratory glasses, while making music with members of the Toledo Symphony. Admission is $14, or $13 for senior citizens, $12 for kids and free for toddlers. For more information, call 419-244-2674 or visit imaginationstationtoledo.org.
Port Clinton
Still thinking about that Walleye Drop? Wylie Walleye will be celebrating his 25th annual descent this year in Port Clinton. Before the ceremonial drop of the 20-foot, 600-pound walleye at midnight, kids can observe a “Minnow Drop” at a free party with games, crafts and snacks from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus, 109 E. Perry St., Port Clinton. From 7 to 11:30 p.m., adults can take part in the free 3rd annual “Bar Swim,” where luxury buses will transport guests to bars around Port Clinton, Marblehead and Catawba. For more information, call 419-635-7470 or visit wyliewalleyefoundation.com.
Chagrin Falls
The usual Popcorn Ball Drop won’t be happening in Marion this year, but those who miss it can make their way to Chagrin Falls, where Jupiter, a popcorn ball measuring 6 feet in diameter and weighing 250 pounds, will descend the Chagrin Falls flagpole at midnight during the 6th annual celebration. From 10:30 p.m. to midnight, visitors can enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, watch movies about historic Chagrin Falls and catch 200 popcorn balls shot from bazooka cannons. For more information, call 440-247-6577 or visit chagrinfallspopcorn.com.
Lancaster
Closer to home, the Glass Town Countdown in downtown Lancaster reverses the notion of a ball drop. A giant globe, bedecked with ornaments created or bought by Lancaster residents and honoring the tradition of glassmaking in the city, will ascend during a countdown and reach its height at midnight, to be followed by fireworks. From 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., guests can enjoy cocoa or adult beverages, visit restaurants and shop in downtown Lancaster. For more information, call 800-626-1296 or visit www.visitfairfieldcounty.com.
Read More: Fun, quirky events around Ohio, from walleye to popcorn