With a mix of shivering, shouts of triumph, and shear trepidation, plungers, including a dog, head back out of the 42.8 degree water during the annual Polar Plunge on 1/1/22 at Fort Phoenix in Fairhaven. Photo by Beth David.
The registration circus bear lets everyone know they’re supposed to register for the annual Polar Plunge on 1/1/22 at Fort Phoenix in Fairhaven. Photo by Beth David.
By Beth David, Editor
The annual Fort Phoenix Polar Plunge was back with a splash this year, after cancelling last year due to COVID. Organizers said at least 100 people took the plunge on a balmy 54-degree morning in memory of domestic violence victims. This year’s theme was the circus and plungers were encouraged to dress the part.
The plunge is free, but participants are asked to register. Proceeds from the sale of shirts go to the Fairhaven Scholars for Dollars program.
A group of family and friends from Taunton and other parts joined the crowd this weekend, dressed in tutus, with one in flag trunks.
Diane, Kim, Mike, Lina, and Nevaeh, said they travel to difference plunges. And the were wearing shirts that said: “When all else fails, join the circus.”
So, naturally…
Rick Racine said it was his 10th time plunging, although not consecutively.
“It’s the perfect thing to start the new year,” said Mr. Racine, 59, adding that it makes him feel more “youthful,” and it was good to see all the people out.
“People just need to be together,” said his wife Michelle.
David Macomber of Westport said he has plunged for three years.
L-R: Diane, Kim, Mike, Lina, and Nevaeh are all dressed up and ready to hit the water for the annual Polar Plunge at Fort Phoenix in Fairhaven on 1/1/22. Photo by Beth David.
“It’s refreshing. It starts the new year. It opens up the system,” said Mr. Macomber. “Out with the old, in with the new.”
Emily and Brian Sheridan also took the plunge. He does it every year. She was a first timer.
“I lost a bet,” said Ms. Sheridan, but then said she liked it. “It’s invigorating. And, actually not as cold as you think it’s going to be.”
“It’s a tradition,” said Mr. Sheridan, who’s been plunging for five years. “It’s the start of a brand new year.”
“This was so much fun,” said Evelyn Bouley. “I don’t have a word for it: invigorating, vibrant.”
“It was good,” said Ellen Crete, who plunged with her daughter Kate, who said she broker her own record by staying in the water for three minutes.
Ellen said she did it for “bragging rights.”
“A sense of accomplishment,” said Kate. “And a collection of shirts.”
Rick Racine gives a big smile for the local free sheet after plunging into the 42.8 degree water during the annual Polar Plunge on 1/1/22 at Fort Phoenix in Fairhaven. Photo by Beth David.
L-R: Ellen and Kate Crete get dressed after plunging into the 42.8 degree water during the annual Polar Plunge on 1/1/22 at Fort Phoenix in Fairhaven. Photo by Beth David.
Brian and Emily Sheridan pose for the local free sheet after plunging into the 42.8 degree water during the annual Polar Plunge on 1/1/22 at Fort Phoenix in Fairhaven. Photo by Beth David.
Evelyn Bouley strikes a pose for the local free sheet after plunging into the 42.8 degree water during the annual Polar Plunge on 1/1/22 at Fort Phoenix in Fairhaven. Photo by Beth David.
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