Days of frigid temperatures, with wind chills reaching below zero, is starting to freeze up the cove at Hoppy’s Landing, threatening to ice in the boats moored there on January 3, 2018. Photo by Beth David.
By Beth David, Editor
Facing frigid cold that broke a 100-year record, organizers of the Fort Phoenix Polar Plunge decided it was too risky and called it off, for awhile at least. Just before press time, organizers announced that the new date is Sunday, Januay 28, at 10 a.m.
“Happy New Year! We have a ‘do-over’ date!” they announced on thei Facebok page. “Mass DCR (Department of Conservation nd Recretion) has approved the request to hold the Ft. Phoenix Polar Plunge on Sunday, January 28th at 10 a.m.”
The frigid cold and forming ice do not bother these ducks and seagulls as they continue to dive for food in the water at Hoppy’s Landing, by they Causeway and sandbar on January 3, 2018. Photo by Beth David.
Several other polar plunges also canceled, but Gloucester and Wareham held theirs as scheduled.
The stretch of cold weather, with temperatures at or below zero for days in a row, broke a 100-year record, according to several meteorologists.
This week, the area is expected to get blizzard-like conditions on Thursday, with bitter cold following for the weekend.
The Ft. Phoenix Polar Plunge is free but raises funds for Scholarships by the sale of event t-shirts. Donations to benefit Fairhaven Dollars for Scholars Scholarships in memory of Fairhaven’s domestic violence victim can be sent, with check made out to: FDS Polar Plunge Scholarship, c/o 100 Cedar Street, Fairhaven, MA 02719.
The cold weather and forming ice causes some pililngs to collapse at Earl’s Marina in Fairhaven on January 3, 2018. Photo by Beth David.
To participate in this year’s plunge, you can register ahead or just show up. If you aren’t crazy enough to jump in the water, join the hundreds of people who will watch from the beach.
This year’s theme is, your favorite Disney Movie. Put on your Mickey Mouse ears, Little Mermaid Costume, etc., have fun, be a plunger or a spectator!
Plungers will plunge on January 28, 2018 at 10 a.m. SHARP at DCR’s Ft. Phoenix State Beach Reservation
Net proceeds benefit scholarships in memory of Fairhaven’s domestic violence victims. Part of the Dollars for Scholars / Scholarship America Program (charity navigator 4-star charity rating).
The Plunge is a free event. For your safety, we are requiring that you register for the plunge. You can register on Plunge morning from 9 a.m.–9:45 a.m.
The cold weather and forming ice causes some pililngs to collapse at Earl’s Marina in Fairhaven on January 3, 2017. Photo by Beth David.
Checks can be made payable to the: Dollars for Scholars. Please note on check: Ft. Phoenix Polar Plunge Donations of twenty-five dollars or more will receive a long sleeve T-shirt while supplies last. Limited number available. Shirts will be available on a first come/ first served basis. Shirts may be purchased at the Plunge
Bring towels, blankets and warm clothes to change into after the plunge. We highly recommend water shoes or old sneakers to protect your feet from rocks and cold. There are some unavoidable rocks in the area so be careful!
We will provide changing tents, Port-a-Johns, warming fire, and refreshments.
Email Kathy at lopeska@aol.com for more information.
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Click here to download the entire 1/4/18 issue: 01-04-18 NoPlunge
