I opened the curtains early on Saturday morning to look down on a town shrouded under a thick blanket of fog. The cemetery looked eerie, the tombstones jutting up dark against the white mist, and the thickness of the fog made everything deathly quiet; the town was silent.
But that peace wasn't going to reign for long as a few hours later the fog evaporated and activity started up at the 4H Center where at 11:00am Front Royal's first Polar Plunge was taking place. Raising money for the Humane Society of Warren County, a target of $7000K had been set, which would help replace the flooring in the dog kennels.
I got there about half an hour before the event started and was impressed to see a fair amount of people had arrived. The local papers estimated there were about 100 spectators and around 50 participants. A fire pit was already blazing in the amphitheater and a large tent was handing out hot chocolate with homemade scones and cookies, along with slices of pizza.
I strolled around the crowd with my camera, participants happy and more than willing to pose for a photo as their families, friends and locals from town helped them get ready and offered words of encouragement. It wasn't a particularly cold day but we knew the water was freezing, and I noticed a few poor souls with the skimpier outfits were shivering.
A fashion parade had the prospective plungers walk in a circle so their outfits could be judged, the mermaid won first prize for her costume. There was also a prize for the contestant who had raised the most money, which had been $1000. The event blew away the projected target, two local papers printed different amounts, one saying over $9K and the other saying just under $10K. Regardless, it was a huge sum for Front Royal's first ever Polar Plunge.
The organizers proved their worth and had the event moving along at a good pace. Immediately after the fashion show, the plungers moved across to a steep grassy bank which led down to Lake Culpeper's edge. Last minute group photos were taken and then it was time to plunge! I held my camera ready but noticed that I was also clenching every muscle in my body as though it were me jumping into the freezing lake, but I know it was in anticipation of these brave heroes meeting that frigid water.
This was the most civilized polar plunge I'd ever witnessed, with the plungers entering the water, not as a mad dash, as I'd been fully expecting, but each group entering separately. This was great for the spectators as it gave us a chance to take photos and fully relish everybody's grand entrance, whether it was a 'run and jump' , a 'toe first, then a shivering slow entry, or simply a 'forward plow through the water with arms pumping frantically from side to side'. Whichever it was, everybody's entry to the lake was witnessed and all were energetically cheered. The Warren County Humane Shelter team were the first in, dressed as various animals, and their faces were a picture as they graciously turned around so us spectators could witness their frozen shock. It was hilarious, and I missed a few photo opportunities as I was laughing so hard. Then other groups or couples waded in, equally hysterical once their flesh met the icy lake water, squealing and screeching in their shock, some of the braver ones dunking their heads under. Even the Chief of Police waded in, complete with shirt and tie, and sporting a huge grin.
For most it was a dash to get about 20ft out in the lake and then a rapid turn to get back to the bank. A few splashed around for a minute or so, their brave smiles and cheers overcoming their chattering teeth. A big blow up shark pushed its way out into the water and posed with a huddle of penguins, and then really impressed me with a superbly realistic Jaws impression, bending down and waggling from side to side, while some spectators even belted out the theme tune. But she needed assistance with her exit, and had to be helped out of the water, her legs couldn't bend to get up on the bank, so a hilarious scene ensued with four penguins half carrying the poor shark out of the lake.
I couldn't help a few involuntary shivers as I watched them splash enthusiastically, so glad my feet were encased in warm boots, but watching these brave folks endure that water just made me feel cold in sympathy. Yet they persevered for their very fine cause, and really made the most of their brave antics. Because there had been quite a number of people in the lake, all those feet had kicked up the silt from the bottom, and soon the frigid water was a dark grey brown color. As the plungers clambered towards shallow depths and on to the bank this became very apparent. Their wonderful costumes were stained as they climbed out and I hoped their shoes weren't full of mud also.
Once everyone was out, to another thunderous applause, they swiftly headed to the small changing cubicles that had been erected or some went directly to their vehicles. I passed by a small group at the fire pit toasting S'mores and entered the large refreshment tent, immediately warmed by the heat inside. As well as refreshments available there was a local band playing. Unfortunately, I missed their name but they were being enjoyed, especially by one small local resident. And because of this first polar plunge being so successful, it seems this will now become a yearly event. I'm sure many furry shelter residents will be pleased.
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