On the first day of 2024, around 150 participants and spectators gathered at Johnson Point in Seven Lakes West for a Polar Bear Plunge. This year saw a slight increase of participating sea bears. Over 50 of those present braved the 52 degree water.
Most made a hasty exit, seeking out towels, robes, hot chocolate and the toasty bonfire. A few swam to the floating platform where they contemplated their life choices before swimming back to shore. The outdoor temperature at the time of the plunge hovered in the low 50s.
This year gift baskets donated by local businesses and community members were presented to costume winners and raffle ticket winners. Donations of $300 were collected for Caring Hearts for Canines.
Members of West End Fire and Rescue were on hand to ensure a safe event. Neighbors appeared in good cheer and excited to ring in the new year at this event organized by the Stephanie Carrozza, Lyndsey Matthis and many other volunteers.
Contact Maggie Beamguard at maggie@thepilot.com.
From left, Amanda Pignone , Mona Dietterich and Kate Lyons Zentar celebrate the new year at the Seven Lakes West 2024 Polar Bear Plunge. Maggie Beamguard/SLITreats and hot beverages served at the 2024 Seven Lakes West Polar Bear Plunge. Maggie Beamguard/SLIFrom left, Camryn, Caitlin, Austen and Hadley Hyde celebrate the new year at the Seven Lakes West 2024 Polar Bear Plunge. Maggie Beamguard/SLIEric and Hollie Duplessis and their children Indy (left) and Finley celebrate the new year at the Seven Lakes West 2024 Polar Bear Plunge. Maggie Beamguard/SLISpectators enjoy the the Seven Lakes West 2024 Polar Bear Plunge. Maggie Beamguard/SLIKristy (left) and Kate Gilpin bring fire and ice to the Seven Lakes West 2024 Polar Bear Plunge. Maggie Beamguard/SLIGift baskets donated by local businesses and community members were presented to costume winners and raffle winners at the 2024 Seven Lakes West Polar Plunge. Maggie Beamguard/SLIShane, Paula and Hudson Flint bring classic holiday movie vibes to the 2024 Seven Lakes West Polar Bear Plunge. Maggie Beamguard/SLIShannon Stites drinks the tears of her pickleball opponents at the 2024 Seven Lakes West Polar Bear Plunge. Maggie Beamguard/SLIEvent organizers Stephanie Carrozza (left) and Lyndsey Matthis had lots of help from community volunteers to make the 2nd Anual Seven Lakes West Polar Plunge a success. Maggie Beamguard/SLIFrom left Aiden Murray, Beth Gay, Will Herold, Hanna Herold, and Waldo (also known as Greg Herold) celebrate the New Year at the 2024 Seven Lakes West Polar Plunge. Maggie Beamguard/SLIPolar Bear Plunge participants in costume line up before diving in. Maggie Beamguard/SLI2024 Polar Bear Plunge participants line up at the edge of Lake Auman. Maggie Beamguard/SLIParticipants brave 52 degree water at the 2024 Polar. Bear Plunge at Lake Auman. Maggie Beamguard/SLIParticipants brave 52 degree water at the 2024 Polar. Bear Plunge at Lake Auman. Maggie Beamguard/SLIParticipants brave 52 degree water at the 2024 Polar. Bear Plunge at Lake Auman. Maggie Beamguard/SLIParticipants brave 52 degree water at the 2024 Polar. Bear Plunge at Lake Auman. Maggie Beamguard/SLIParticipants brave 52 degree water at the 2024 Polar. Bear Plunge at Lake Auman. Maggie Beamguard/SLIParticipants brave 52 degree water at the 2024 Polar. Bear Plunge at Lake Auman. Maggie Beamguard/SLIA group of Polar Bears swam out to an iceberg, rather, the swim platform in Lake Auman at the 2024 Polar Bear Plunge. Maggie Beamguard/SLIYoung polar bears prepare for a swim in the frigid Lake Auman on January 1, 2024. Maggie Beamguard/SLIYoung polar bears splash in the frigid Lake Auman on January 1, 2024. Maggie Beamguard/SLIA young polar bear emerges from the frigid waters of Lake Auman on January 1, 2024. Maggie Beamguard/SLIFrom left Steve Haskell, Sara Forehand, William Hill, Caleb Hill, Conner Forehand,, Brandon Forehand, Kelly Forehand, Ed Hill and Henry Hill celebrate the New Year and warm up around the fire following the 2024 Seven Lakes West Polar Plunge. Maggie Beamguard/SLISeven Lakes West welcomes the new year at the 2nd Annual Polar Bear Plunge at Lake Auman. Maggie Beamguard/SLI
