<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3LVk25_0kVKJ5b100" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3LVk25_0kVKJ5b100" width="1280" height="892" >Skaneateles <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Skanpolarbear/">Polar Bear Club</a> brought back its Polar Plunge on Saturday at Clift Park after a two-year hiatus.Over 145 people plunged into the chilly waters of Skaneateles Lake, representing nonprofit groups, school teams and local businesses. Many wore matching costumes. One group ran into the lake wearing toilet plungers as hats.This plunge was one of the warmest on record. In <a href="https://youtu.be/5_u7V0gtZXo">past years</a>, volunteers had to clear ice from a section of the lake using a chain saw.“The water temperature was 34 degrees but the sunshine definitely made it feel warmer,” said Todd Marshall, president of the Skaneateles Polar Plunge, and one of the event founders.The Polar Plunge is a traditional part of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SkaneatelesWinterfest/">Skaneateles Winterfest</a>, an annual village celebration which features ice sculptures, scavenger hunts and food samples from local restaurants. It’s hosted by the Skaneateles Sunrise Rotary Club.2023 marked the 12th year of villagers and visitors plunging into Skaneateles Lake. The event had been canceled for the last two years due to Covid-19.Plunge participant fees benefit the Skaneateles Fire Department, Skaneateles Education Foundation and Skaneateles Ambulance Volunteer Emergency Services. Saturday’s event raised about $8,500, with more sponsorship dollars still coming in.“We expect to raise well over $10,000 once all donations are counted,” Marshall said. “These are record numbers, and our small group of organizers are so thankful to everyone who’s been involved.”See photos from the event in the gallery above.</div></body>

Mountain View, CA

NewsBreak

Nearly 150 brave (or crazy) souls plunge into icy Skaneateles Lake (photos)

Skaneateles Polar Bear Club brought back its Polar Plunge on Saturday at Clift Park after a two-year hiatus. Over 145 people plunged into the chilly waters of Skaneateles Lake, representing nonprofit groups, school teams and local businesses. Many wore matching costumes. One group ran into the lake wearing toilet plungers as hats.