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18th Annual Jacksonport Polar Bear Swim!
January 1, 2004
by Steve Kastner |
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JACKSONPORT, WI - On
Thursday, January 1, 2004 at 12 noon sharp approximately 600 brave souls are making a dash for the 32 degree waters
of Lake Michigan. Lakeside Park in Jacksonport is filled with spectators estimated to number over 3,000. Since
it's inception in 1987 by the town's first Polar Bear, J.R. Jarosh, this annual Door County event has become the
largest gathering of its kind in the world.
A brisk early morning wind off the lake has deposited a collection of slush
along the shoreline... fortunately it hasn't solidified.
| Even with air temps at a balmy 32 degrees the wind can quickly chill the
uninsulated. |
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Taking the plunge... |
| under watchful eyes. Note the fellow in the red thermal dry suit, ready
to assist. |
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As always, there is no charge for swimmers to participate, but this year
swimmers were asked to bring a non-perishable food item for Door County's Feed My People food pantry.
| Organizer J.R. Jarosh is always a prime media target. This year he sports
a new look! |
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Each year the sale of Polar Bear towels, sweatshirts, long sleeved T-shirts
and special lapel pins benefits the Jacksonport Fire Department. To order or for more information, contact that
first Jacksonport Polar Bear, club president, J.R. Jarosh, 6289 Hwy. 57, Jacksonport, Wi. 54235. phone 920.823.2231
email jarosh@charter.net.
Laddie
Chapman has a great collection of 2004 photos at his Jacksonport Polar Bear Club Web site.
Door County Compass Polar Bear Scrabook...
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