03/29/2024
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polarPlunge1About 30 people took a plunge into White Lake at noon Thursday in the third annual Camp Clearwater Polar Plunge. Others watched from the pier and shoreline as participants ran into 42-degree water, then dived under the water before returning to shore.

The event began in 2013 when former Army soldier Ray Goodin challenged ex-Marine Al Pingree to jump into White Lake on New Year’s Day.

polarPlunge2polarPlunge3“I said, ‘Heck, yeah. I’ll do it,’ ” Pingree said. “That surprised him. Now, he had to do it.” There were 20 participants that first year, and 43 people in 2014.

Prior to the plunge, Pingree read the official proclamation:

“Hear ye. Hear ye. Hear ye.
To all who shall see these present, greetings.
Know ye that reposing, special confidence and admiration.
In the bold initiative and intrepid courage — albeit, poor judgment and gross stupidity — of these most humble few,
We are here today to glorify your effort in the 3rd annual Camp Clearwater Polar Plunge.
We hereby dedicate our bodies in this most tenuous effort in the hopes that this new year will bring fun and enjoyment here at Camp Clearwater for all.”

For more photos from the Polar Plunge, visit Bladen Online’s Facebook page.

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