Plunging into the new year
PARKER — Around 1 p.m. on Monday, Parker Volunteer Fire Department firefighters opened the gate to the Parker City Boat Launch, allowing dozens of people — some dressed in winter coats, and others in costumes and swimsuits — to make their way toward the icy waters of the Allegheny River.
Parker Mayor DuWayne “Bud” Amsler said the water was about 42 degrees, which probably wouldn’t deter anyone, but instead attract more people to run into the river.
As the clock ticked toward 2 p.m., more and more people took off their jackets, sweatpants and hats and stood where the river met the land. Firefighters — standing about waist deep in the water — spread out in the river holding ropes tied to the land. When the clock struck 2 p.m., firefighters set off a flare — and nearly 200 people charged the river.
Some people went in and then right back out again, while others practically took a leisurely bath in the cold water.
While this year’s attendance wasn’t a record-breaker for the event, Mandy Libecco, president of the Parker Polar Bear Club, said the Parker Polar Plunge has remained a popular way for people to kick off the new year.
“People get excited,” Libecco said. “They love coming out here, doing something crazy and helping the community.”
Monday was the 16th Parker Polar Plunge, which actually started many years ago, but took a two-year haitus in 2021 and 2022 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The event is a fundraiser for the Parker Volunteer Fire Department, and money made from the $20 registration fee also goes to help “families in need,” Libecco said.
“If there is a fire or an accident, we can help them,” she said.
Sonja and Bob Crawford, of East Brady, have made the Parker Polar Plunge a yearly tradition, and they wear a different costume each year to do it. To start off 2024, they donned frog one-pieces for the event, which did little to keep them warm in the Allegheny River.
“We’re regulars here now,” Sonja said of the bracing event. “It is an invigorating way to start off the new year.”
Libecco said many people take the plunge every year, but the event continues to attract new thrill-seekers each Jan. 1. She pointed out many families take the plunge together, as do co-workers and members of community organizations and clubs. Facing the chilly waters of the Allegheny River can be a “bucket list” item for young and old alike, she added.
“This year our youngest plunger is 6 years old and the oldest is 77,” Libecco said. “So we span a 70-year age range.”
While the Crawfords enjoy the Parker Polar Plunge each year, the couple don’t do anything else like it the rest of the year. Bob Crawford said the event taking place on New Year’s Day is part of what makes the Parker Polar Plunge special, as is the opportunity to join more than a hundred others in Parker.
“It’s a good place to have a polar plunge,” Bob said.
