Happy New Year! Lots in Store for 2014…

We hope you had an excellent holiday season surrounded by friends, family and good cheer. We’ve got lots planned for 2014 here on the Center for Limnology blog, including a new series of videos called “Limnology 101,” updates on all things aquatic from our grad students, and new music from our cover band, Phantom Midge! But first – one way some folks in Wisconsin rang in the New Year – Prairie du Chein’s annual “droppin’ of the carp!”

Revelers gather around a bonfire at the New Year's Eve celebration in Prairie du Chein, Wisconsin.
Revelers gather around a bonfire at the New Year’s Eve celebration in Prairie du Chein, Wisconsin.

Then...when the clock strikes 12 and the crown counts down to zero - the carp is released for a brief flight of freedom, crash landing onto the hard ground of the new year!
As the crowd counts down to midnight, “Lucky” the carp is lowered from his dark perch in the sky to a New Year’s throne.

Before it's hoisted (via crane) high above their heads, partygoers can kiss the frozen fish for good luck in the coming year.
After its trip to the ground, partygoers can kiss the frozen fish for good luck in the coming year.

If you find this odd, you might want to check out this list of weird New Year’s Celebrations. I, for one, am sad I missed my chance at a smooch from Lucky – but there’s always next year. For now, BIG thanks to UW journalism grad student, Patrice Kohl, for the amazing photography. (In subzero temps, no less!) And stay tuned for all sorts of good stuff in 2014.