More than 100 take flying leap into lake
 

By Matt Stewart
mstewart@gainesvilletimes.com

The Times

For the ninth consecutive year throngs of cold-blooded beings lined the docks of the Lake Lanier Olympic Center for the annual winter plunge.

When it ended, 103 courageous, or perhaps crazy, people had heaved their bodies into the lake Saturday.

All paid $25, which goes to benefit the Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club, to take part in the Polar Bear Swim, an event that club director Connie Hagler said began as a spoof.

Water temperature was estimated to be 41 degrees Saturday afternoon, she said.

Even Elvis couldn't miss this plunge.

Bryan Greenberg of Smyrna dressed as the king of rock 'n' roll and did his own version of Elvis' hip shake after emerging from the lake.

Organizers said Greenburg previously had taken a similar jump into a Maryland creek. At that event, chain saws were used to cut away a frozen layer of ice to allow room to jump.

No chain saws were needed Saturday on Lanier, but the water was cold nonetheless.

Gainesville Mayor George Wangemann, a Wisconsin native, took the plunge for the seventh year in a row.

He said he didn't know about the event the first two years or he would have taken part.

"It was very cold," Wangemann said. "It was much colder than last year, but it was very refreshing."

Wangemann's term as mayor came to a close Saturday, but he said his Polar Bear Plunge streak wouldn't stop just because his term has.

"I'll continue to do it because I believe in the cause and the fund raising (for the Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club)," he said.

Six pastors of local churches also took a hand-in-hand jump from the dock's platform.

The Rev. Vincent Sullivan of St. Michael Catholic Church in Gainesville said each pastor challenged each other to participate as part of a "Pastor's Plunge."

"We're all fearful of the fires of hell, but this just sends us the other way," Sullivan said.

Jumpers were also provided four hot tubs to soak in after escaping from the lake's cold temperatures.

"The hot tub is perfect," Sullivan said. "I just wish there was some soup and hot chocolate served while we're in the tub."

City Councilman Bob Hamrick enjoyed spending the day as a judge scoring each platform jump. He also appreciated the warmer temperatures on land.

"They're all braver than I am," he said. "I might do it in August."