2015 begins with plunges
The Allegheny River and Connoquenessing Creek were two of the venues for the hardy — some might say foolhardy — to plunge into the New Year on Thursday.
About 260 people hopped into the very cold river at Parker, Clarion County, for the Parker Polar Bear Club's ninth annual polar bear plunge.
“It was a big success,” said club President Bob Bowser.
The people jumped in the river at 2 p.m. at the Parker's Landing boat launch along Route 268.
Bowser said he did not have a total amount of money raised. Proceeds go to Camo Cares/Hunt of a Lifetime, the Boys and Girls Club Along the Allegheny and local fire departments.
Three hours earlier, Bradys Bend in Armstrong County was where 20 people jumped into the river near the Route 68 bridge.
This was the fourth year that the plunge was sponsored by the American Legion Post 488.
Artie Hillwig, club member, said that about 12 members of the club jumped as well as a few students from Karns City High School.
“It went pretty well,” Hillwig said.
The event raised about $2,000 for the Wounded Warrior Project. In addition to the jumpers, some people donated money without jumping.
Not to be outdone, some 70 plungers at 1 p.m. braved the cold waters of the Connoquenessing in Harmony to raise money for the Harmony Parks Board and the Harmony Volunteer Fire Department.
As of Thursday night the organizers were still collecting pledges, though the total raised was already more than $1,300, Altemus said.
The Best Costume Award went to Dave Ellery, Jack Muller and Shannon McCarthy, who jumped in wearing suits.The individual who raised the most money was Mayor Cathy Rape, who took the plunge for the first time. Rape was joined by borough council members Greg Such and Frank Luek.The organizers set up a tent for the plungers to dry off, change and warm up after they got out of the waters and the fire department was on hand to make sure everyone got in and out safely.<I>Eagle staff writers John Bojarski and Joe Genco contributed to this report.</I>
