Here’s a way to start the New Year off fresh.
The annual Polar Dip in Dorchester will be held on January 1, in support of Fire and Rescue and the Station 8 Moving Forward Co-op.
“It’s a fairly new partnership, but a long-standing tradition in Dorchester. Station 8 does food security and community development in Dorchester. Fire and Rescue are an integral part of our community as well. We ask everyone participating to raise a minimum of $25,” says Spokesperson Jonelle Pace.
This year’s dip will be in a four-foot-deep firefighter pool because the ice on Palmer’s Pond isn’t thick enough due to the weather.
As of Monday, they already had 40 to 50 participants registered. Many people show up to register on the day of the Polar Dip, on January 1.
“We’re really happy with the response. The mayor of Tantramar will be back, along with a few of our municipal employees as well. The dip itself starts at 1 pm, and we’ll set up games for kids and participants who just want to watch as well. There are lots of things to do if you’re not dipping. After that, a lot of us head to the Keillor House, which is also in the village of Dorchester for their New Year’s Day chilli and to get warmed up there. So it’s just a good, fun community day all around,” Pace adds.
If you are planning on registering in person, Pace advises you to get there by 11 am or noon at the latest to ensure you get your paperwork filled out on time.
As for what to wear, Pace says participants are very creative.
“We actually invite participants to dress up. We have door prizes for the best costume. It’s definitely not a birthday suit, sort of polar dip, but be creative. We’ve had someone jump in their wedding dress before. We’ve had teams come in their uniforms, things like that.”
The annual Polar Dip is also for participants of all ages. Anyone under 13 will require a parent’s signature on a waiver, but they are welcome to take part. We recommend you bring a full change of warm clothing, especially if you’re going to hang out for a bit afterwards. We’re trying to get something of a change room tent set up, but we recommend that you don’t stay in your wet clothes, especially if you’re hanging around. Bring a full change of warm clothes and blankets and we will have a campfire going as well,” Pace says.
For those who are nervous about jumping into a very cold pool of water, Pace offers reassurances that you’ll be surrounded by qualified individuals, with Fire and Rescue there.
“You honestly couldn’t be in better hands if you need any assistance. You have some really skilled people there. They take the preparation of this really seriously. Safety is a number one concern for this event, and it’s gone off without a hitch for many, many years.”
