PENFIELD – Is a polar bear swim on your bucket list?
If so, the Polar Bear Plunge is among the numerous events at this year’s WinterFest at Parker Dam State Park.
The plunge is a fundraiser for the Clearfield YMCA’s scholarship fund. The funds provide memberships to children and families in need.
This year’s Polar Bear Plunge will take place at 4 p.m. Jan. 28. It’s the 15th year for the event, and hundreds of people have taken the plunge.
A hole will be cut through the ice at 12 p.m. by park naturalists. They will also explain how ice was harvested for ice boxes before refrigeration.
At 4 p.m., participants – who have pre-registered – will put on a harness and plunge into the hole. They will swim to a ladder at the other end.
When they exit the swimming hole, they will be awarded a special polar bear beach towel to keep as a souvenir. Any participant who raises over $250 will be awarded a hooded polar bear sweatshirt.
People can register to swim by contacting the Clearfield YMCA. Pledge sheets for donations will be given to every participant.
People can donate money on behalf of a participant or make donations as spectators. Please call the Clearfield YMCA at 814-765-5521 for more information.
