Polar Plunge participants take an icy dip for NLRA

BRISTOL — Twenty-six brave souls took an icy dip in Newfound Lake on Feb. 22 during the Newfound Lake Inn’s Polar Plunge fundraiser to support the Newfound Lake Region Association. With bluebird skies and seasonably mild temperatures, participants gleefully took to the water through a hole in the ice wearing cheerleading uniforms, banana costumes, and sparkly swimwear, while onlookers cheered them on.

"I jumped in the lake last year to support the work that we do," said Newfound Lake Region Association Executive Director Rebecca Hanson. "This is just a great way to support the resources that so many people in the Newfound community think are critically important to our community's health and to the state's health."

"It's such a beautiful way to get together in the offseason with people who live in surrounding communities,” said Janine Reynolds with the Newfound Lake Inn.  “And we've got access to the lake, and so we thought a polar plunge would be really fun. It's grown every year.” 

The Polar Plunge raised over $15,000, which will go toward NLRA’s mission to protect Newfound Lake and its watershed. The Polar Plunge was one of the highlight events of the Inn’s annual Winterfest activities, which also included live music, food and beverages, face painting, ice carving demonstrations, and more.

To learn more, visit NewfoundLake.org.