The atmosphere was festive in Shepard Park this Saturday for the 18th Annual Freezin’ For a Reason Lake George Polar Plunge. The event is Special Olympics NY – Capital District Region’s largest fundraiser, and the 2024 plunge broke past fundraising records. According to Renee Snyder, Vice President of Development for Special Olympics NY, this year’s 1,600 plungers raised nearly $300,000.
Waves of plungers, some in bathing suits, some in costumes, braved the 45-degree air temperature and slightly warmer 50-degree water temperature by running into the lake from Shepard Park Beach. Many took time to splash around before running back out. Hundreds of spectators lined the Lakefront Walkway and MacDonald Pier to cheer them on.
Plungers entered the water in waves that began at 11 a.m. and continued until noon…