PARKER PLUNGE
PARKER, Armstrong County — Around 300 people, in varying stages of undress, dipped their toes into the water for the first time in 2020.
As temperatures dipped below freezing, the 14th annual Parker Polar Plunge witnessed hundreds of participants, many from Butler County, tread into the frigid Allegheny River from the city's boat ramp to welcome in the new year and help raise funds for charitable organizations.
Mandy Libecco, president of Parker Polar Bear Club, said there were just fewer than 200 registrants for the plunge, but estimated an additional 100 people participated, as plungers did not need to register.
The event helps raise funds for the Boys and Girls Club of Emlenton and Camo Cares, which takes wounded veterans and children with life-threatening illnesses hunting.
Other charitable organizations also were at the event to fundraise. Forsythe Snowball Kickball, which helps individuals recover from emergencies or helps out in times of need, set up at a table near a warming area.
“The generosity of the people here is so amazing,” said Vince Forsythe, who with his wife runs the organization. He also serves as mayor of St. Petersburg in Clarion County.The plunge was the main attraction. Tracy Graham of Saxonburg said the event was for a good cause — and it was good at creating fun.“It's a good family time,” she said.Her son, Devon Graham, added a brassiere atop his outfit, which Tracy Graham said was a hoot.Volunteers from the area came to ensure the cold water wouldn't dampen anyone's 2020, patrolling the river in boats and casting out lines plungers used to step back to land.Regardless of why they came, Libecco said, it was clear all attendees enjoyed the event.“It was a great crowd this year,” she said. “Everybody was happy.”
