Swimmers sign in

A sunny day with clear skies greeted hundred and hundreds of people to downtown Jacksonport on the traditional swim day. There was no ice in the water this year, which made for a wide path for swimmers.

The reported number of swimmers for this 21st annual plunge was 800. Contrast this figure with the number of swimmers that first year of the event in 1986. One. That pioneer was J. R. Jarosh of Jacksonport, just a kid at the time. Little did he know how large this thing would become or could become. Or did he? 

The march to the beach

The brave and the not so brave make their way to the beach area for the wettening procedures. Most wait until the last minute to disrobe, but there were definitely exceptions this year. We saw an amazing combination of coolers (hmmm) and towels and robes. 

What followed was a very nice social event of people eagerly waiting for the moment. The conversations seemed to center around two issues: first, why do we/you do this, and second, is this your first time or are you a veteran?

"It's going to be a fine swim today"

It was a gorgeous day

Anticipation grew into suspense as Master of Ceremonies Joe Jarosh announced the minutes until what the locals have called "The Shortest Major Event in Door County".

The air temperature and the water temperature were both a refreshing 38 degrees, according to Joe, who diligently measures both just minutes before the swimmers hit the water. 

The media coverage for the event was extensive; we couldn't help but notice the major local TV stations with cameras propped on shoulders. All of these souls remained on dry land for the duration.

The Jacksonport event is the only one of its kind on the Door Peninsula, in spite of the extensive shoreline on the area.

Commemorative clothing!

Meanwhile back in the welcoming and registration tent, Sue Jarosh and her team made sure folks seeking souvenir sweatshirts and the like got them in time for the main event. Not a bad idea to pick up an extra layer of clothing for post-plunge recovery.

People of all shapes, sizes, ages, and genders came out for a dose of the elements. This year many of the senior contingent lingered out a bit off shore, in no seeming hurry to come back to shore. Many participants were last in, first out, but the tough bears were first in, last out.

So all in all it appears quite likely that this event, billed as a meeting of the Polar Bear Club, is destined to live on indefinitely. One might ask, why? And then again, one might ask, why not? View video.

And there they go...

"We just came to watch"

...And here they come back

"Now I'm cold"

Until next year...