Polar Plunge

More than $2,000 was raised for the fire departments and EMS in the Hickory Nut Gorge at the 2019 Polar Plunge on New Year's Day. The 140 people plunging into Lake Lure on Jan.1 paid $20 each to claim the bragging rights of jumping into the wintery Lake Lure.

The weather was cooperative, holding off any predicted rainfall, but the water was still about 45 degrees, said one bystander.

The 11th annual event, sponsored by the Chamber of the Hickory Nut Gorge, was held at the beach area where hot chocolate and Polar Plunge paraphernalia were also sold to raise money.

Diane Breaker and Jackie Carey of Lake Lure took the prize for Best Costume, announced Mayor Kevin Cooley. They arrived at the scene in a makeshift hot air balloon basket powered by several balloons and their feet as they ran into the water.

"This is a great way to start off the new year," Cooley said in welcoming the plungers and spectators.

Jackson Sarber won the prize for the person traveling the furthest to participate. The Homer, Alaska resident is a student at Black Mountain Academy and he and classmates were among plungers.

Santa's Cousins, four girls dressed in Santa Claus costumes, were Mayor's Choice winners.

From Hendersonville, Tom Nelson at age 77 was the oldest plunger while Gavin Babij, 5, of Land of the Lakes, Florida, took the prize as youngest participant.

Ken Potter, emcee and plunger, took his bagpipes into the lake and played Auld Lang Syne, from the cool January 1 waters.

Zack Baben of Marion and his Service Dog of Marion represented the More Heart than Scars nonprofit organization.

Among those returning for the 11th year were Mark Sullivan and Jennifer Hadden of Greenville, South Carolina, as Popeye and Olive Oil.

"This is always a lot of fun," Sullivan said. He remembered the frigid waters last year as temperatures hovered around 16 degrees. The lake was frozen in areas last year and many plungers came of the lake with blood on their feet from minor cuts from the ice.