Lake George Polar Plunge New Year’s Day 2024
Celebrate the First Day of 2024 with an annual Adirondack ritual, the Polar Plunge in Lake George.
Lake George Polar Plunge on New Year’s Day
Lake George hosts its annual Polar Plunge on New Year’s Day at Shepard Park Beach. The annual event usually draws over 1,000 hearty souls to the shores of the Queen of American Lakes to experience the exquisite pain and thrill of dunking themselves into frigid Adirondack waters.
It’s also one of America’s most recognized so-called Polar Bear Swims.
Registration starts on New Year’s Eve from 11 am to 5 pm and again on New Year’s Day at 10:30 am at Duffy’s Tavern. The sign-up fee is $10 and directly benefits The Springfield Shriners Hospital for Children and the Lake George Volunteer Fire Department. Long sleeve polar plunge shirts will be available for $10.
The Lake George Polar Plunge has been a First Day tradition since 1973.
Polar Plungers in bathing suits and costumes dash into the icy lake in waves of 400 people, with the first wave entering the icy waters at 1:00 pm. Additional waves will follow at 1:15 pm and 1:30 pm. Water shoes are highly recommended.
Afterward, get warm and celebrate at the New Year’s Day Polar Plunge Party with live music from Dirt Cheap at Duffy’s.
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