The community of Jacksonport is in final preparation for the 26th annual polar bear plunge on Sunday. For the past 25 years, the Jacksonport Polar Bear Club has celebrated the new year by going for a dip in the icy waters of Lake Michigan at Lakeside Park. An estimated 600-800 swimmers are expected to take the plunge along with several thousand others who will be on hand to witness the event & cheer on the participants. Club founder JR Jarosh was 14 years old when he made the first jump into the lake in 1986. Festivities will involve the entire community & get under way at 8:30AM with the Door County fire chiefs annual pancake breakfast at the town hall, just up the road from the park on County V. The actual polar bear event gets started at 10:30AM with registration in the park shelter closest to the lake. For all of those going in the water, the event is free, but all swimmers are asked to sign a liability release form, & are encouraged to dress in costume. Then, at noon, there will be a 10 second countdown prior to the actual dip into the lake. A variety of polar bear club merchandise will be available for purchase by swimmers & spectators. All are also encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to be donate to feed my people.
