Wisconsin - Land of Humor

From the Prairie du Chien "Courier Press":

Droppin’ of the Carp festivities scheduled

Once again the City of Prairie du Chien will welcome the New Year with the Droppin’ of the Carp. The program for Dec. 31 is as follows:

3 p.m. Carp bowl - Last half of the football game between Prairie du Chien and McGregor/Marquette, Iowa firemen, located on St. Feriole Island. The winning fire department will receive a donation of $500 for their department.

9:30 p.m. Bonfire will be lit at the entrance to St. Feriole Island.

10:30 p.m. Welcome, breaking of the pinata for young children, crowning of the King and Queen, on-stage entertainment provided by Not So Pure Prairie League, composed of Suzanne Shaw, Jade Halverson and Shane Hazen.

11:40 p.m. Clock will be started for the countdown

Midnight Droppin’ of the Carp, "Auld Lang Syne," Pledge of Allegiance, "God Bless America" and fireworks.

Here is an article about the origins of the festival:

Stupid idea turns into carp ritual

http://lacrossetribune.com/articles/2003/12/31/mattjames/james31.txt

And another:

PdC festival seeks royalty for New Year’s carp drop

http://www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2008/12/14/news/z05carp14.txt

And no, I did not apply to be Carp Queen.