Plunge into new year with a returning event
Shelly Kaltenbach has started off many new years by jumping into the Allegheny River, some years running alongside ice floating across the top.
While she had no idea what the plunge would be like the first time, Kaltenbach made the new year’s swim a tradition, which never lost its excitement.
“The first time, it was alarming experience,” Kaltenbach said. “You never get used to it and you never know what the water is going to be like. It is very exhilarating; it's thrilling, just like riding a roller coaster.”
Kaltenbach said she ended her tradition in 2021, when the Polar Plunge started its two-year hiatus. However, the organizers are expecting a large crowd at the event this time, at what will be the 15th Parker Polar Plunge.
Kaltenbach is a recruiter for UFP Industries in Parker, which sponsors the plunge.
Money raised goes to the Parker Volunteer Fire Department, water rescue and other local charities and organizations, according to Kaltenbach. She said the fundraising aspect of the event is how it got started in the first place.
“There were, like, 10 guys who jumped in the first year. and it has grown from there,” Kaltenbach said. “There were upwards of 500 jumpers some years. ... I think people are just excited to do something new.”
As part of the event, there will be a community bonfire, basket raffles, 50/50 drawings and vendors, and downtown business are joining the celebration by offering food specials and live music. The Parker VFW Post 7073 will open at 9 a.m. to serve breakfast.
The number of people who attend the event dwarfs any other event in Parker, and is one of the only times people come to experience the borough, Kaltenbach said.
“Parker doesn't really have a lot of events,” Kaltenbach said. “This brings business into the community and gets people here.”
Kaltenbach recommended the Polar Plunge to anyone who has an adventurous spirit, and also gave some tips to people considering taking the plunge for the first time.
“You run in and a couple times people go under, some people wear costumes,” Kaltenbach said. ”My recommendation is water shoes, because once your feet get cold, it gets really bad.“
Registration for the Parker Polar Plunge will begin at 9 a.m. Jan. 1 at the Parker City Boat Launch, and the plunge itself will happen at 2 p.m. Registration costs $10 per person.
For information, contact UFPI at 724-399-2992.
