Hundreds take river plunge
PARKER, Armstrong County — On a bright, snowy New Year's Day, a countdown echoed through a large crowd of scantily dressed people standing near the Allegheny River.
Although many had counted down the start of a new year just hours before, hundreds counted down again, before wading into the frigid river, wearing everything from bikinis, over-the-top costumes and thrift store dresses.
The 8th annual Parker Polar Bear Plunge on Wednesday was an all-day event in this riverside town. Many spent hours near the river in anticipation, keeping warm by standing near bonfires or drinking beer. Street parking and nearby parking lots were all filled with vehicles.
Sarah Stiokis and Katie Everson, both of Cabot, decided on a whim on New Year's Eve to take the plunge. Even in the hour leading up to getting in the water, they both stood in the cold wearing T-shirts.
“It's not even that cold. It's warm!” said Stiokis, 19.
“I hope I don't lose any toes or limbs,” she added, jokingly. “That's what I'm shooting for.”
Both Stiokis and Everson, 21, said participating in a polar bear plunge was an activity that's been on their bucket lists.
Their friend Zack Robinson was convinced to go in the icy waters with them. But unlike them, he's taken a winter swim before.
“Once the cold hits your body, you can't move,” said Robinson, 27, of Saxonburg.
He made sure that friends were holding blankets and towels for afterward. Speaking from experience, he provided some advice for first-time jumpers.
“Wear as little clothing when you get in, and put on as much as you can when you get out,” Robinson said. “It sucks to take off cold, wet clothing.”
Groups of young and old, friends and family, all made the event a bonding experience.
Lisa Reesman was going into the water with her children, Shalynn, 12, and David, 10, while wearing “the ugliest dresses” they could find. She did the jump last year, and when she wanted to do it again this year, her daughter and son volunteered.
“They said, 'We're doing it if you are,'” said Reesman of New Bethlehem. “They might regret it later, though.
Meanwhile, Beth Harmon and Patty Dillon both donned “Duck Dynasty” beards and camo outfits before going into the cold river. While Dillon has participated for years, Harmon was a first timer.
“I'm just going by Patty's experience,” said Harmon, of Butler. “I just want to do it to be able to say that I did it.”
But just because Dillon has done it before doesn't mean she does the stunt care free.
“I like the thrill, but I'm scared to death every year,” said Dillon of Parker. “If I didn't do anything thrilling for the rest of the year, I can say I did this.”
The annual event raised thousands of dollars for several charities, including Camo Cares, the Boys and Girls Club Along the Allegheny, and volunteer fire departments.
