Though diving into frigid lake water isn’t everyone’s idea of a good time, 22 local residents braved the cold to take part in a “polar plunge” into Sand Bay on Wednesday afternoon.
Sponsored by the Fort Frances Voyageur Lions Club, the “plunge” kicked off a full afternoon of events on New Year’s Day dedicate to celebrating Fort Frances’ centennial year.
Jumpers raised pledges totally more than $5,500, with proceeds going to the Fort Frances Aquanauts and the Voyageur Lions’ Community Activities Fund.
“Fort Frances is a great community for giving to these kinds of events,” said Voyageurs Lions Club president Jim Martindale, who chaired the committee that organized the “polar plunge,” which attracted more than 300 people.
“It was just great. The weather was great and the crowd was great,” he added.
“I’m looking forward to next year,” said Owen Johnston, who dressed up as an ice fisherman for the plunge. “It feels like the coldest shower you’ve ever had times five.
“But you can get over it quickly. I am looking forward to taking another hot shower, though.”
Brendan Cumming, dressed as a mermaid, won $75 for capturing first place for the best costume. Dale Gill (centennial baby) and Peter Neilson (Fred Flinstone) won gift certificates for taking second and third place, respectively.
Gill also was the top pledge-getter, raising $1,431.
After the plunge, jumpers were invited to make their way to the Memorial Sports Centre, where the Great Centennial New Year’s Day Levee was taking place, to get something warm to drink and sweet to eat.
Organizers said more than 225 people attended the levee, which was the platform to kickoff a few activities in conjunction with Fort Frances’ centennial in 2003.
The beard-growing contest had 15 contestants registered by 3 p.m. on Wednesday. Anyone interested in entering the contest, to be judged in April, can enter by paying a $5 entry fee and getting their “before” picture taken.
Meanwhile, any men in town not wanting to participate must purchase a pin for $2 that allows them to shave. Anyone caught shaving without a pin will be fined $2, said contest official Marla Simpson, who is co-ordinating the town’s centennial celebrations.
Other activities at the levee were the cutting of the Jan. 1 birthday cake for New Year’s babies, as well as the guessing of the birth year of Fort Frances’ New Year’s baby and town clerk Glenn Treftlin.
The first correct response (1949) was given by Allyson Albanese, who won a centennial prize pack including a T-shirt, set of coins and other goodies.
Mayor Glenn Witherspoon gave the official toast to welcome in the New Year, emphasizing pride in past accomplishments over the last 100 years and predicting prosperity for the future.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
