Applications are now being accepted for participants in the 7th Annual Polar Plunge in Long Pond, Grafton Lakes State Park, as part of the Park’s Winter Fest. The Winter Fest is in its 29th year with outdoor and indoor events occurring all day, January 25. The plunge happens promptly at 1 pm with check-in beginning at noon at the beach.
The purpose of the Plunge is to raise funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited disease that affects the lungs and digestive system. The genetic defect causes thick, sticky mucus that leads primarily to poor lung function, lung infections and poor digestion. The Foundation supports research in finding controls and hopefully a cure for the disease.
Participants take turns charging into the frigid water while the New York State Police Ice Dive team and Grafton Town Ambulance provide safety. Spectators are welcome and provide a nice wind block for the event.
This event is open to the first 50 people who pre-register. The fee is $20 and includes a T-shirt and hot drink. Heated changing areas are available nearby but bring warm clothes for before and immediately after.
For more information and an application for the plunge contact Margaret Phillips at 518-479-3739 evenings or 518-577-5434 days.
For more information on the Winter Fest visit www.nysparks.com/parks and look up Grafton Lakes State Park. For more information about Cystic Fibrosis and the Foundation, please visit http://www.cff.org/.
