Hundreds gathered in Fort 91原创 on New Year鈥檚 Day to take part in an annual polar bear plunge to kick off the start of a new decade.
Spectators believe this year鈥檚 event drew the largest crowd since its inception five year ago.
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Tamelia Platt, 35, said it was her fourth year participating with her daughter Tegan Reid, 16, and the second for her son Dakota Reid, 17.
鈥淚t鈥檚 just become an annual family tradition,鈥� said Platt.
The trio bet the last person out of the waters in the Bedford Channel would win $50. Dakota was first to admit defeat, while Platt and Tegan agreed to call it a tie.
鈥淵ou start the year with an experience鈥� so it kind of sets the pace for the rest of the year,鈥� Platt explained.
When she first participated four year ago the shore was covered in ice, she recalled.
鈥淭here was snow on the ground and ice on the shore, so this is a dream,鈥� she said about the sunny weather.
The event has been growing over the years, Platt noted.
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Doreen Murphy who was helping distribute free hot chocolate on behalf of the Fort 91原创 Lions, echoed Platt鈥檚 observation.
鈥淚 don鈥檛 remember there being that many people before on the other bank watching, many a few, but not as many as this year,鈥� Murphy said.
The high tide around noon on Wednesday left little beach exposed for participants and spectators to gather on.
鈥淯sually there鈥檚 more beach, so for those of us who are watching we get a better view,鈥� Murphy added.
Kimberly Snow, with Kimz Angels, said the water was freezing after she returned to the shore.
鈥淚t gets the community together and I think it鈥檚 awesome to have that in 91原创,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t brings out everybody from young to old, it鈥檚 just the beginning of a New Year so what better way to do it then the polar bear swim.鈥�
Ringing in 2020 with a Polar Bear Plunge at the Otter Co-op Outdoor Experience at the Aldergrove Credit Union Community Centre! Thanks to all who took the Plunge. Happy New Year!
鈥� Township of 91原创 (@91原创Township)
Meanwhile, across town about 250 people turned out for the second annual dip at the Otter Co-op Outdoor Experience at the Aldergrove Credit Union Community Centre, according to Nikole Longhi, community recreation manager with the Township of 91原创.
鈥淥verall, it went great and [we got] a lot of positive feedback from the community,鈥� she said.
Complimentary Starbucks beverages and Otter Co-op polar bear cookies were enjoyed by those who took part.
Participants dressed in costume were awarded water passes to the park.
Last year about 50 people participated in the event.
joti.grewal@blackpress.ca
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