At least 120 people jumped into the water at Fort Phoenix in Fairhaven on 1/1/19 for the annual Polar Plunge. Hundreds more lined the shore to watch the show. Photo by Glenn C. Silva.
By Beth David, Editor
More than 120 plungers registered to jump into the cold waters of the Atlantic at the annual Fort Phoenix Polar Plunge on January 1. This year’s plungers were greeted by much better weather than last year, which had to be postponed because temperatures were sub-zero. This year, the air was 55° and the water was 43°, down-right balmy for the… well, balmy among us.
Proceeds of the event, which is held in honor of domestic violence victims, and Nancy L. Schonheinz, for whom the original plunge was named, now go to the Fairhaven Dollars for Scholars Program. Plunging is free, although people are asked to register. Funds are raised with t-shirt sales.
Mischa (left) jumped into the cold waters of the Atlantic to support her friend Bella (right), and both seem none the worse for wear after the annual Fort Phoenix Polar Plunge on 1/1/19. Photo by Beth David.
This year’s theme was the 1940s, with many plungers dressing in their favorite vintage outfits.
Cousins Bella, Shiloh, and Malaka, 6 & 7 years old, plunged for the first time with a few other members of the Fernandes clan.
Bella said it was “freezing,” but Shiloh said it was “okay.”
Malaka, however, would not succumb to the cold. He said he liked it and it was NOT cold.
Best friends Mischa and Olivia, 9 and 8, plunged for the first time. Mischa said she did it to support her friend. Olivia said she did it because her family plunges.
“It was so cold,” said Mischa. “I ran in and out. My legs were frozen.”
“My feet were numb,” said Olivia.
To see a video visit https://youtu.be/YsEmYHKhoPk (courtesy of Lisa Mucciarone)
For a video by Fairhaven Community TV, visit https://www.fairhaventv.com/single-post/2019/01/02/Polar-Plunge-2019
A woman throws up her arms in victory after jumping into the cold waters of the Atlantic on 1/1/19 at Fort Phoenix in Fairhaven for the annual Polar Plunge. Photo by Glenn C. Silva.
A couple of friends decide their buddy needed some help at the annual Polar Plunge at Fort Phoenix in Fairhaven on 1/1/19. Photo by Glenn C. Silva.
People react to the cold water at the annual Polar Plunge at Fort Phoenix in Fairhaven on 1/1/19. Photo by Glenn C. Silva.
L-R: Devin, Ryan, Ron, Peter and Grant are all smiles (well, mostly) after jumping into the water at Fort Phoenix for the annual Polar Plunge on 1/1/19. Photo by Beth David.
Members of the Fernandes Family are all smiles after jumping into the water at Fort Phoenix for the annual Polar Plunge on 1/1/19. Photo by Beth David.
Plungers react to the cold at the annual Fort Phoenix Polar Plunge on 1/1/19. Photo by Beth David.c•••
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Click here to download the entire 1/3/19 issue: 01-03-19 PolarPlunge
