Polar Plunge organizer Betsy McKeen is seen here “pre-plunge,” with messages for her two children, Declan and Molly, written on her arms. (Declan and Molly were both home sick with the flu and sadly could not attend.)
And they're off! More than 50 local residents showed up Sunday to take the plunge in the first annual Essex Elementary School PTO Polar Plunge.
Typically, a January polar plunge is the business of the tough toughing it out. But on Sunday’s wildly warm and sunny day (69 degrees, a record), the vibe was fun and giddy for the first annual Essex Elementary School (EES) Polar Plunge at Conomo Point.
The event went off without a hitch, as one can see in these wonderful photographs by Kris McGinn Straub. More than 50 people participated and took the plunge at Front Beach, including extended EES families (children, parents and grandparents), Essex community members, Manchester-Essex school district teachers and staff, and ocean enthusiasts from across Cape Ann. All proceeds benefited the EES Parent Teacher Organization, which provides enrichment activities for the children and families of the school community.
The sponsors of the event deserve credit, including main sponsor Keller Williams (Jeremy McElwain of City to Sand Real Estate); The Mill Food & Provisions, soon to open on Eastern Avenue in Essex, which provided hot chocolate; and Jungle of Essex, which provided the t-shirts.
The Essex Fire and Police Departments provided traffic, safety and rescue services. Carla Christensen of the PTO said Chief Francis and Chief Doucette were very easy to work with, and the PTO “thanks them for their support.” Stay tuned for next year's Polar Plunge!
