Hundreds flock to park for 8th annual event
PORTERSVILLE — Among the hundreds of people gathered at Moraine State Park to participate in Winterfest, nearly 40 braved a frigid jump into Lake Arthur Saturday.
The eighth annual celebration, held at Pleasant Valley Beach on the park's South Shore, raised money for the park and Lawrence County Habitat for Humanity.
“It first started as a way to bring people to the park and show them that the park was also available during the winter months,” said Heather Cuyler, secretary for the Moraine Preservation Fund.
This year's event included the Chili Cook Off; the third Frosty Feet 5K by Moraine Preservation Fund; and culminated in the Douse for a House polar plunge held by the Lawrence County Habitat for Humanity.
Proceeds raised from the chili cook-off, which was the original event, and 5K run benefit the park, to help with ongoing projects, Cuyler said.
Annie Miller, president for the Lawrence County Habitat for Humanity, said nearly $20,000 was raised during the plunge, which will go toward providing a home for a family in need.
“It is not only helping people in need of a house but also the community as well,” she said.
Eighty-two runners registered for the frosty trek on trails around the park, with 77 finishing, said Tammy McGaughey, 5K organizer.
“When we cut the trails yesterday (Friday), there was six inches of snow on them,” she said. “It is a very challenging race.”
Brad Popple of Pittsburgh was the overall men's winner, clocking in at 20 minutes, 19 seconds, while Sara Lander of Fryburg was the overall female winner, with a time of 28 minuets and 4 seconds.
The event following the race went from frosty to frigid.
Tom Walker, 83, of New Castle was among those who took the plunge into Lake Arthur, saying this was the seventh year he has participated.
“I don't know any better,” he said with a laugh. “But all joking aside, it is for a really good cause.”
Mary Lou Scheidemantle also felt good about it.
“It is five minutes of cold for a lifetime of warmth.”Jeremiah Vojtko, captain of the Highland Presbyterian Church team out of New Castle, which won the top team fundraiser award with $7,812 raised, said he dressed as a penguin to help get into the spirit of the event and to help out a good cause.Various vendors and demonstrators were set up in a parking lot near the South Shore including the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Wampum Chapter of the North Country Trail Association and chain saw carver Damian Skal of Chicora.Children's activities were provided by OH WOW! from the The Roger & Gloria Jones Children's Center for Science & Technology in Youngstown, Ohio, and entertainment was provided by DJ Marcus at Entertainment 82.Prizes were awarded for top fundraisers, best costumes and best chili, which were donated by local businesses.Cuyler said partnering with the Lawrence County Habitat for Humanity was a way to help another nonprofit organization.“We as a volunteer group see the need for sustainable partnerships, and it is nice to help other nonprofit groups out,” she said.
The event was run entirely by volunteers, and those seeking information or looking to lend a hand can visit the group's website at www.morainepreservationfund.org.
