JANUARY 15, 2009 ISSUE
Don’t Bother with the Sun Tan Lotion
Winterfest Hosts 11th Annual Polar Plunge January 24
Photo by Todd Bush
What would undoubtedly appear to be cruel and unusual punishment to the uninitiated is easily Winterfest’s most popular spectator event. The shiver-inducing, goose bump-raising Arctic extravaganza known as the Polar Plunge will again pit men and women in a hilariously costumed battle against nature on Saturday, January 24, at 10:00 a.m.
For some longtime Winterfest revelers, the waters of Chetola Lake—seemingly less than inviting to any normal person—hold an inexplicable allure. The chance to catapult into the icy depths in front of roaring crowds is simply too much to resist.
For first (and often last) timers, the unfortunate realization that they’ve just voluntarily leapt into a breathtaking and painful ice bath comes before their bodies are fully submerged—a mistake they won’t be making again.
However, those brave (and arguably misguided) souls who participate in the Polar Plunge benefit not only the throngs huddled on the banks of Chetola Lake delighting in their pain and suffering, but also local charities with their entry fees. A minimum donation of $25 is required to make the jump.
As always, the Golden Plunger award will be awarded to the most outlandishly dressed participant by wisecracking Polar Plunge emcee Tracy Brown.
If this week’s plummeting temperatures aren’t enough to strike fear into the hearts of the bravest plungers, consider that previous plunges have taken place only after frozen portions of the lake have been cleared with chainsaws.
For the jumpers however, there is an upside to freezing their butts off. Upon being extracted, plungers will be wrapped in towels and blankets and placed in front of heaters that are stationed on the dock. Plungers will then be swiftly escorted by heated van to Chetola Resort’s hot tub and heated pool to recover from wildly chattering teeth and goose bumps in comfort. Plungers can sip warm liquid refreshments while rehashing the tales of their brave plunge.
The spectators will start to gather at 9:00 a.m. with the jumping beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Chetola Lake. Obtain entry and liability forms for the 11th annual Polar Plunge by calling the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce at 828-295-7851 or clicking to www.blowingrockwinterfest.com.
Want To Go?
Date: Saturday, January 24
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Location: Chetola Lake
Cost: $25 minimum donation
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