It’s been a First Day tradition in Lake George since 1973. On Tuesday, Jan. 1, Shepard Park will fill with revelers dressed in bathing suits and costumes to kick off 2019 with a dip in the icy lake. Some years, more than 1,200 have registered to plunge. Last year, following a 14-below-zero night, the plunging crowd was a modest 400. Spectators usually number in the hundreds and add to the festive atmosphere.
Registration for the Lake George 2019 New Year’s Day Polar Plunge will be held at Duffy’s Tavern on Lower Amherst Street this New Year’s Eve, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Registration resumes at Duffy’s on New Year’s Day at 10 a.m.
Registration fee is $10 and official Polar Plunge 2019 long-sleeve shirts are available for $10. Registrants must sign a waiver form. Proceeds will benefit the Springfield Shriner’s Hospital’s Acute Pediatric Rehabilitation Program and local fire departments, which provide safety services for the plunge.
Plunges are held in waves of 400 people, with the first wave entering the lake at 1 p.m. Subsequent waves follow at 15-minute increments. At registration, plungers will be issued a colored wristband to identify their wave group. Organizers recommend that plungers wear water shoes. Duffy’s will host a New Years Day Polar Plunge Party following the event with drink specials and live music by Spoiler.