Plunging into 2019

Annual Polar Bear Plunge draws crowds to Riverfront Park

POTTSTOWN >> It’s the beginning of the new year and a whole lot of people in Pottstown are stepping into it boldly.

Stepping into the Schuylkill River that is.

On Jan. 1, the 11th Annual Polar Bear Plunge in Riverfront Park welcomed about 75 participants willing to kick off 2019 by taking a quick dip in the river.

“I think we had a lot more people than we would have had if it were as cold as it’s been in the past,” said Michael Lenhart, director of Pottstown Parks and Recreation. “We had a decent turnout even though we didn’t have the continuity or push of registrations that comes with it.”

Lenhart was referring to last year’s Polar Plunge, which took place in February instead of it’s usual New Year’s Day date. Last year, the event was postponed because of extreme cold and, as a result, numbers waned for its rescheduled date.

The experience was a little different this year for participants, who took the plunge into the 45-degree water and emerged to temperatures in the 50s.

“A lot has stayed the same with this event because we keep the core elements as they are. I think what’s changed is that we’ve seen numbers climb. In previous years we had numbers in the 80s and 90s and then we peaked at about 110. But we’ve seen a growth in the number of participants but also in the number of spectators,” said Lenhart.

Individuals come from all over to participate in and witness the unique event, some coming from as far as New York.

“I’ve done the Coney Island one for years and I said, ‘What am I going to do?’ Because we’re visiting family here,” said participant Brendan Fay. “Pottstown was lovely. I feel like it’s in the heartland here. People are having their hot chocolate, eating their hot dogs, saying hello to each other. I’ve done something I’ve never done before. I’ve never been to a Christmas tree tossing event.”

Before the plunge, participants can test their strength by entering the Christmas tree tossing competition. Once they’ve completed the swim, they can then enjoy the warmth of a large bonfire as they

surround themselves with good company and chow down on some sauerkraut and pork.

“I think the best part of it is everyone just coming in. It’s New Year’s Day. We all stayed out way too late last night and just the community coming together wearing crazy clothes and jumping in freezing cold water,” said Pottstown Mayor Stephanie Henrick, who was donning a tutu as she participated for her second year. “There’s nothing better on New Year’s Day.”

TOM KELLY III — FOR DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Led by a man wearing a large mask of a crying baby, swimmers splash into the Schuylkill River Jan. 1 during the 11th Annual Polar Bear Plunge at Pottstown’s Riverfront Park to help celebrate the new year.

MARIAN DENNIS — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Polar Bear Plunge participants were all smiles as they took the annual dip into the Schuylkill River to kick off the new year.

Marian Dennis — Digital First Media Participants, including Pottstown School Board member Raymond Rose in the black body suit, reacted to the 45-degree water as they took the annual dip into the Schuylkill River for the Polar Bear Plunge in Pottstown’s Riverfront Park.

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY BRENDAN FAY Kids and adults alike had a blast trying to throw a Christmas tree just before taking the Polar Plunge in the Schuylkill River.

MARIAN DENNIS — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA No Polar Plunge would be complete without a bonfire to warm you up. After their dip in the river, folks gathered around the large fire in Riverfront Park to get dry and enjoy the traditional pork and sauerkraut meal.

EVAN BRANDT — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Pottstown Borough Council members, from left, Joe Kirkland, Don Lebedynsky, Carol Kulp and Mayor Stephanie Henrick warm up at the bonfire Pottstown’s 11th Annual Polar Bear Plunge in Riverfront Park. All but Kulp took the plunge into the Schuylkill River this year.

EVAN BRANDT — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Pottstown School Board member John Armato admires the shirt and tutu worn by Pottstown Mayor Stephanie Henrick before she jumped into the Schuylkill River for Pottstown’s 11th Annual Polar Bear Plunge.

TOM KELLY III — FOR DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Leo Wng watches as his twin brother Bill throws a Christmas Tree during the annual Christmas tree toss at the New Year’s Day celebration at Pottstown’s Riverfront Park. The Wngs who are from China are visiting a cousin from Pottstown.

TOM KELLY III — FOR DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA A swimmer does a backward splash dive into the Schuylkill River as another tries to get out of the way during the New Year’s Day celebration at Riverfront Park. The event also included a bonfire and Christmas tree tossing competition.

MARIAN DENNIS — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Footie pajamas, tutus and masks could all be seen as about 75 participants took a festive dip in the Schuylkill River for the 11th Annual Annual Polar Bear Plunge.

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY BRENDAN FAY Participants in the Pottstown Polar Plunge tested their strength with a Christmas tree toss.

MARIAN DENNIS — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Participants proved they were bold and brave as they walked into the Schuylkill River to kick off the new year with the Pottstown Polar Bear Plunge.

TOM KELLY III — FOR DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Hundreds of people jammed Riverfront Park in Pottstown for the New Year’s Day celebration, which included a bonfire and polar bear swim.