Polar Bear Plunge Set For Jan. 18 At Pie Eyed Petey's
Posted
David Slone-dslone@timesuniononline.com
LEESBURG – When Pie Eyed Petey’s co-owners Barb and Roy Hamer held their first Polar Bear Plunge five years ago, they didn’t know how it would be received. Every year since then, the fundraiser for the North Webster and Syracuse food banks has continued to grow. “I never thought this would take off like it has. This is our fifth year,” Barb said in an interview Thursday at Pie Eyed Petey’s, 70 EMS T17 Lane, Leesburg. General Manager Michele Farkas said the Plunge is always the third Saturday of January, but people begin asking in February when the next one is. “People come from out of state. We may not be one of the oldest, but we are the most fun,” Barb stated. Farkas said 146 participants took the plunge last year. In 2010 and 2012, approximately 80 people took the plunge each year. There were about 117 people participating in 2011. Doors for this year’s event open at 10 a.m. Jan. 18. Jumps begin at 1 p.m. Participants must sign up and sign a waiver of liability. Cost to take the plunge is a donation to the food banks. “Dress warm because it’s going down no matter what the temperature is,” Barb said. “Pray for warm weather and clear skies. Let’s work to make sure no one in this county goes hungry. We’re going to take a plunge against hunger again.” For the first 150 jumpers, Pie Eyed Petey’s will give them a Polar Club T-shirt. Sweatshirts will be available for purchase for $35, with part of the proceeds going to the food banks. The front says: “‘I took the plunge’ Pie Eyed Petey’s 5th Annual Polar Bear Plunge January 18, 2014.” On the back of the hood is the face of a polar bear, designed by Barb. She suggested that jumpers wear old tennis shoes or water socks. The marina will be heated so people can change their clothes after jumping in. “Bring dry clothes and a towel,” Barb said. Farkas said costumes are allowed, so break out those Halloween costumes. The Lake City Roller Dolls will be back for a second year, Farkas said. The North Webster EMS and Kosciusko County Dive Team will be on hand again this year. “A big thank you to both organizations,” Barb said. “They take a lot of their time to come out and help us. We’re truly grateful for them.” She also noted that a lot more volunteers are helping with this year’s event. There will be attendants to assist with parking. Farkas said the 2013 Polar Bear Plunge raised more than $3,000 for the food banks. There also was about 1-1/2 tons of non-perishable food donated. “It’s a fun and wonderful time. It’s still a charity event. We always get excited because we have such a wonderful crowd that comes out,” Barb stated. Pie Eyed Petey’s will not serve a full menu Jan. 18. However, participants and spectators can purchase grilled cheese sandwiches, chilli or a quarter of a large pizza for $6. The Tiki Bar will be open again this year. Farkas said it will serve only Bloody Marys, screwdrivers and beer. Only adults 21 and older can enter the white fence area. Everyone else has to stay on the marina side, Barb said. Entertainment will be Funk Park Rangers from 8 p.m. to midnight. Farkas said it’s their “comeback” performance. “It’ll be cool,” she stated. Barb said, “Thanks to everyone who jumps in and brings in a donation. It is a fun way to start off your year.” For more information or updates on Pie Eyed Petey’s Fifth Annual Polar Bear Plunge, visit its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pages/Pie-Eyed-Peteys/139907524804
