Dressed in bathing suits and assorted costumes, 779 registered plungers rushed into the chilly waters of Lake George at Shepard Park Beach Tuesday afternoon for the Annual New Year’s Day Polar Plunge. Several hundred more stood on shore to cheer them on.
Unlike last year’s plunge with14-degree temperatures and ice over the lake’s surface, the 2019 Polar Plunge saw open water and a thermometer reading of 45 degrees. Chas Giknis of Absolute Sound served as Master of Ceremonies and DJ. Following the plunge, several Lakeside taverns, including Duffy’s Tavern, King Neptune’s Pub and the Lake George Beach Club, held New Year’s Day parties featuring live music. The Proceeds from this year’s Polar Plunge will benefit the Springfield Shriner’s Hospital and local volunteer fire departments.
The tradition of winter swims in Lake George began in 1973 when Coney Island Polar Bear Club President Al Mottola visited the Lake George Winter Carnival and plunged into the icy waters. The New Year’s Day plunge was, for many years, led by Charlie “Papa Bear” Albert who founded the Lake George Polar Bear Club. After Albert’s passing in 2000, the Lake George Winter Carnival took over the event. In recent years, Duffy’s Tavern has organized the plunge as a fundraiser for local charities.
Winter action will return to Shepard Park Feb. 2, 2019 with the opening of the Lake George Winter Carnival. The Winter Carnival is held each weekend in February and includes Polar Plunges each afternoon.
