Hundreds brave frigid temps to take New Year’s plunge into Yough River in Connellsville
More than 250 people braved bitterly cold temperatures Thursday morning to ring in the New Year with a frigid splash into the Youghiogheny River for the 22nd annual Polar Bear Jump in Connellsville.
The air temperature hovered around 17 degrees when the participants – many wearing patriotic swim trunks and undergarments to celebrate America’s 250th birthday this year – took the plunge into the icy waters at Yough River Park.
Event organizer Nancy Jacobyansky said this year’s plunge was one of the coldest on record, and many of the participants warmed up by a camp fire or quickly retreated to their cars.
Fayette EMS workers and firefighters from New Haven Hose were in the river or on the banks to ensure everyone was safe. The annual event benefits the Connellsville Area Community Ministries, with people bringing canned goods to help its food pantry.