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BY MAGGIE BEAMGUARD
SLI Editor
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/SLI
Treats and hot beverages served at the 2024 Seven Lakes West Polar Bear Plunge. Maggie Beamguard/SLI
From left, Camryn, Caitlin, Austen and Hadley Hyde celebrate the new year at the Seven Lakes West 2024 Polar Bear Plunge. Maggie Beamguard/SLI
Eric 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/SLI
Spectators enjoy the the Seven Lakes West 2024 Polar Bear Plunge. Maggie Beamguard/SLI
Kristy (left) and Kate Gilpin bring fire and ice to the Seven Lakes West 2024 Polar Bear Plunge. Maggie Beamguard/SLI
Gift 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/SLI
Shane, Paula and Hudson Flint bring classic holiday movie vibes to the 2024 Seven Lakes West Polar Bear Plunge. Maggie Beamguard/SLI
Shannon Stites drinks the tears of her pickleball opponents at the 2024 Seven Lakes West Polar Bear Plunge. Maggie Beamguard/SLI
Event 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/SLI
From 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/SLI
Polar Bear Plunge participants in costume line up before diving in. Maggie Beamguard/SLI
2024 Polar Bear Plunge participants line up at the edge of Lake Auman. Maggie Beamguard/SLI
Participants brave 52 degree water at the 2024 Polar. Bear Plunge at Lake Auman. Maggie Beamguard/SLI
Participants brave 52 degree water at the 2024 Polar. Bear Plunge at Lake Auman. Maggie Beamguard/SLI
Participants brave 52 degree water at the 2024 Polar. Bear Plunge at Lake Auman. Maggie Beamguard/SLI
Participants brave 52 degree water at the 2024 Polar. Bear Plunge at Lake Auman. Maggie Beamguard/SLI
Participants brave 52 degree water at the 2024 Polar. Bear Plunge at Lake Auman. Maggie Beamguard/SLI
Participants brave 52 degree water at the 2024 Polar. Bear Plunge at Lake Auman. Maggie Beamguard/SLI
A group of Polar Bears swam out to an iceberg, rather, the swim platform in Lake Auman at the 2024 Polar Bear Plunge. Maggie Beamguard/SLI
Young polar bears prepare for a swim in the frigid Lake Auman on January 1, 2024. Maggie Beamguard/SLI
Young polar bears splash in the frigid Lake Auman on January 1, 2024. Maggie Beamguard/SLI
A young polar bear emerges from the frigid waters of Lake Auman on January 1, 2024. Maggie Beamguard/SLI
From 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/SLI
Seven Lakes West welcomes the new year at the 2nd Annual Polar Bear Plunge at Lake Auman. Maggie Beamguard/SLI