While thousands will enjoy a wonderful Memorial Day weekend at the 42nd annual Walleye Festival at Waterworks Park in Port Clinton, thousands more will head to Lake Erie for the challenge of catching a tasty walleye dinner in the Walleye Capital of the World . . . and hopefully a trophy that can match Tom “Blackie” Haberman’s Ohio record 16.19-pounder he landed on Nov. 23, 1999. (Photo by D’Arcy Patrick Egan)

BY D’ARCY PATRICK EGAN

The 42 annual Walleye Festival is the official beginning. Of the glorious summer season in Port Clinton, a Memorial Day weekend in beautiful Waterworks Park on the Lake Erie shoreline.

The five-day event has its opening ceremony today (Thursday, May 25) at 5 p.m., with lots of rides, food and vendors ready to welcome the crowds.

Everyone can get their groove on from 7-11 p.m., with the popular band Rumours on the Walleye Festival Stage. The music will have everyone dancing each day through Monday, when the Johnny O Project is on from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Highlights include the traditional Dave W. Leonard #2295 Fraternal Order of Eagles Grande Parade on Saturday at 10-11 a.m., with the Grande Parade Awards at the Entertainment Tent at noon. Featured bands from noon to 11 p.m. are Chase Eagleson, Soul Pilot and Distant Couzins.

The Linda Hartlaub Memorial 5k starts things off Sunday at 9 .m., with the Skipper Bud’s Fishing Derby at the Derby Pond at 12:30 p.m. Jamey Hensley, JK Razz and The jUnK! perform from noon-11 p.m.

The Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday at nearby Veterans Park in downtown Port Clinton will be held at 10 a.m. The Walleye Festival will wrap up at 5 p.m.