Chilling New Year’s ritual for Connellsville Polar Bears
CONNELLSVILLE — Members of the Connellsville Polar Bears celebrated New Year’s day with a chilling ritual as they took the traditional plunge into the icy waters of the Youghiogheny River.
The ninth annual event held at Yough River Park drew over 500 people Tuesday topping last year’s 450 participants, according Frank Jacobyansky, club co-founder.
“Only a true polar bear would come out in the snow,” said Tracie Shultz of Connellsville, referring to a statement made by her friend, Marla Henry on their way to the plunge.