The 17th Annual Shawano Polar Plunge brought in many costumes and much fun, as many jumped off the Dock at Tammy and Jeff’s Lighthouse into the cold Shawano Lake. For the last ten years, the Shawano Polar Plunge has benefited the Shawano Humane Society.
“It is a good cause and many people support it” said owner Jeff Stachowiak.
The Stachowiak’s have watched the event grow into a much anticipated way to kick in the new year.
“One year we had over 70 people, this year we had about 50, but some jumped more than once.
Teams of brave jumpers picked themes and what they wanted to wear when they jumped it. Star Wars Characters took their jump into the frigid waters and a T-Rex was noticed jumping in a few times. Most of those who jumped in, reacted in a chilling way.
“It was really cold” said one jumper. One participant said the water was nice..”Nice and Cold” he emphasized.
While many do the plunge for fun, others do it for personal reason’s. Bobby and Rosalie Warren had a couple of factors that led to their decision.
“2016 took too many friends and tomorrow is not guaranteed so we kept pushing it off, so it was time” said Rosalie Warren. The Warrens also celebrated a day they took another type of plunge together. “It is our 27th Wedding Anniversary” said Bobby Warren.
While they agreed to finally plunge, the two disagreed on what the water felt like “I thought it was going to be a lot worse” said Bobby. “Oh really, I couldn’t breathe so how much worse can it get” asked Rosalie.
Stachowiak said it was another successful event, they raised good money, and they will be ready to do it again next year.”
“For New Year’s Day it is a great family event, it’s a fun time” said Stachowiak.