More than 200 adventurers, 203 to be exact, participated in the Lake Lure New Year’s Day Polar Plunge this year, which is a spike of more than 100 from last year. Crowds gathered on the beach at Lake Lure, and waves of splashes and screams hailed from attendees and plungers alike.

Lake Lure Mayor Bob Keith presented several awards including the “Youngest Plunger” to a 3-year-old and “Oldest Plunger” to a 69-year-old.

Taking the award for traveling the furthest went to a man from the Netherlands. Awards for best costumes were also distributed, but Santa was disqualified for wearing a wetsuit under his holiday gear. Even returning Master of Ceremonies Ken Potter entered the frigid lake while serenading the crowd on his bagpipes.

For a registration fee, plungers all received a monogrammed toboggan along with major bragging rights for entering the 41-degree water. Proceeds from the event benefit the Chamber of Hickory Nut Gorge, which also produces the fifth annual Lake Lure New Year’s Day Polar Plunge. For more information on the Chamber of Hickory Nut Gorge, visit www.hickorynutchamber.org. For more info on the Lake Lure New Year’s Day Polar Plunge, please call Kat Canant at 828-243-0540.

– article submitted by Michelle Yelton