Walleye Festival starts today

PORT CLINTON — Port Clinton will remind everyone this weekend why it's known as the "Walleye Capital of the World."The Walleye Festival will open for its 39th year at Waterworks Park along East Perry Street with loads of tasty catch from Lake Erie and plenty of family fun.The festival started in 1980 to support local fishermen and to offer economic and social benefits to the community.It's a four-day affair featuring all sorts of entertainment and fun. Crowds come to indulge in music, food, carnival rides and, of course, walleye.Attractions will include concerts,a fishing derby, a parade, educational programs and activities, carnival rides, vendors, a 5K run and walk and more.And not only does the event generate an economic boost, but it has also foster's community pride."I have been going to Walleye festival for over 10 years," Port Clinton resident Carly Wagner said. "The festival brings out a sense of pride. I just love Lake Erie and it has a special place in my heart."WANT TO GO?WHAT: The Walleye Festival, WHEN: Thursday-MondayThurs. & Fri. — 5-11 p.m.Sat. & Sun. — 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.Mon. — 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.WHERE: Waterworks Park, E. Perry St. (Ohio 163), Port ClintonReach reporter Alyssa Wieber at wieber@sanduskyregister.com. Follow us on Twitter @SanduskyRegistr and at Facebook.com/sanduskyregisterJeremy Lisy of Akron, left, and David Kraut of Lorain holding a walleye that weighs 11.20 pounds. ›People young and old flocked to the Waterworks Park on the shores of Lake Erie in Port Clinton to experience the 36th Annual Main Street Port Clinton Walleye Festival on Saturday, May 28, 2016. The festival lasts from May 26 through May 30 and features carnival rides, fried food and dozens of vendors. On Sunday, the Frontier Communications Grande Parade will start on the corner of Madison and 4th streets at one in the afternoon. The "YoYo" swing ride flings guests through the air near Lake Erie at the Walleye Festival in Port Clinton.