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Polar Bear Paddy Plunge
March 2, 2024 
12:00PM - 3:00PM

at Staffordville Lake Beach
to benefit the Stafford Summer Rec Camp Program

ABOUT THE PADDY PLUNGE

 

Welcome to the chilling and thrilling Stafford Polar Bear Paddy Plunge, set to make a splash on March 2, 2024! Join us for a heartwarming cause as we brave the icy waters of Staffordville Lake, all in the spirit of supporting the Stafford Summer Recreation Camp - a safe, affordable, and engaging summer program for elementary-age children in the community with activities that promote creative play, cooperation, physical fitness, leadership, water safety, and summer fun. This daring event promises a memorable experience, and the proceeds raised will go directly towards supporting this important summer program. 

Individuals and teams alike are invited to register for this icy adventure. Whether you're a solo daredevil or prefer the camaraderie of a group, the Stafford Polar Plunge welcomes participants of all kinds. Gather your friends, family, or colleagues and take the plunge together for a day filled with fun and philanthropy.

Get ready to make a splash, create lasting memories, and support the Stafford Recreation community. Dive into the excitement of the Stafford Polar Plunge – where bravery meets benevolence!

WHAT TO EXPECT

The Paddy Plunge helps raise money for local programming while bringing community members

together for a fun winter event!

  • Beach bonfire and warming stations

  • Fun music, silly costumes and cheering crowds!

  • Yummy treats and warm beverages

  • Fun activities both in & out of the water

  • A little competition and A LOT of Camaraderie

  • To ensure safety, onsite presence from the Stafford Fire Department and Stafford Ambulance

  • All Plunge participants will be required to sign a waiver of liability onsite at the event, if under 18 years old, Parent/Guardian must also sign.

  • Staffordville Community Building will be open for changing, warming, and kids' activities.

If inclement weather forces a postponement, the Paddy Plunge will be held Sunday, March 3. See the event schedule at the bottom of this page!

Format

12:00pm - 1:00pm - Check-in & Registration

  • Pre-registration is now closed, but day-of signups are also cool (literally). No matter when you signup, all participants are required to sign a waiver on event day and acknowledge safety precautions. 

  • Registration/Check-in: will take place on the sidewalk at the front/main entrance of Staffordville School, under the awning. All participants must check in to sign the waiver form and complete any necessary paperwork. Upon completion, you will receive a wristband indicating your successful registration. Please ensure you arrive before 1:00 pm.

  • Plunging Sequence/Time: Plunge times will be assigned during check-in, with each Plunger/Team receiving a designated jump time noted on their wristband. Following the event welcome at 1:00 pm, the first Plungers will enter the water, with subsequent waves or "heats" occurring in 5-minute intervals until 3:00 pm.

  • Lineup: Please gather at the "Plunge Gate" on the beach at least 10-minutes before your designated time. An area has been specifically designated for on-deck Plungers, complete with tables for you to keep your belongings sand-free.

  • Staffordville School: the building will be open and serve as a heated changing/staging area if you prefer to stay indoors until your Plunge time. Bathrooms are also located in the school.

  • Conditions: The water at Staffordville Beach is clear of ice! Registered teams are able to remain as a cohesive unit during their plunge!

1:00pm - Let the Paddy Plunges Begin!

Plungers will be called in groups to take the exhilarating plunge into Staffordville Lake. Each group will have its moment to brave the icy waters and make a splash for a good cause.

2:10 PM - Too Chicken-to-Plunge 

Announcements and recognition for those who opted-out of the plunge, but donated as a too "Chicken-to-Plunge" participant. announcements on the beach.

2:50 PM - Sponsor Recognition

Gratitude to the generous sponsors who helped make this event possible.

3:00 PM - Total Raised Announcement

The moment we've all been waiting for! The total amount raised during the Stafford Polar Plunge will be announced and shared online. Witness the collective impact of your efforts and contributions to the Stafford Recreation community.

Parking

 

  • Limited Parking at Staffordville Beach: Parking space at Staffordville Beach is limited, and attendees are encouraged to carpool with their group or others who will be present.

  • Overflow Parking at TTM Technologies: Overflow parking is available at TTM Technologies, located at 228 Upper Road. The front lot adjacent to the street is designated for overflow parking. If you park here, follow the posted signs to walk over to Staffordville Beach. Please be respectful of their property and generosity for its use.

  • Kealy Field Parking Lot: an ideal meeting point for coordinating carpool arrangements to Staffordville Beach with members of your group. While it serves as a convenient carpooling location, we do not recommend walking from this spot.

 

Other areas of note & recommendations:

  • Refreshments: Enjoy baked goods prepared by the Stafford Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, available for purchase to support the department. Boy Scouts will also be selling candy bars to raise funds for their Pack. Please have cash on hand to contribute to these worthy causes! Complimentary coffee and hot chocolate will be generously provided by the Events & Celebrations Committee.

  • Pledge Forms: If you've gathered pledges, kindly bring your completed forms and collected contributions. The grand totals will be calculated and announced on the beach!

  • Attire: Opt for loose clothing that can be easily taken off after your plunge. Remember to bring a warm change of clothes that are quick and easy to put on.

  • Footwear: Wear a pair of old shoes, aquatic shoes, etc. You’ll have to walk outside and sometimes wait a moment for others to jump, so please wear a pair of shoes that you don’t mind getting wet. Don’t forget to bring a pair of dry shoes to wear afterwards!

  • A beach bonfire will provide both ambiance and warmth, along with several patio heaters. 

  • The Coop: For those registered as "Too Chicken to Plunge," we have a specially designated area that also functions as a front-row cheering section.

  • Stay safe and have fun!

 

While rain is forecasted for later in the afternoon, we do not expect this weather to dampen the event. The schedule remains unchanged!

Thank you for your involvement in the Polar Bear Paddy Plunge, which directly contributes to the Summer Recreation Camp Program. Your support is greatly appreciated!

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Our heartfelt appreciation to our event sponsors and partners for their

incredible support of the 2024 Polar Bear Paddy Plunge! 

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REGISTER

Pre-registration is now closed! Day-of registrations are more than welcome - see you on March 2!

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SPONSOR

Become a crucial part of the chilling excitement as a Frostbite Financier! Your business can make a lasting impact on the Stafford Polar Plunge by contributing through a generous monetary donation. Your sponsorship will not only directly contributes to the Stafford Summer Recreation Camp program, but will also garner event recognition, through:

  • Customized event signage on the beach featuring your logo and/or name.

  • Public announcement of your company’s contribution at the event.

  • Company logo and/or name display on the Paddy Plunge event website.

  • Recognition on @ExploreStaffordCT social media platforms.

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DONATE

You're so COOL! Make a general event donation or give your support to the fundraising efforts of a specific individual participant or team! Either way, all contributions directly benefit the Stafford Summer Recreation Camp program.

Be a Paddy Plunge Pledger - making a donation is just a few clicks away!

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TOOL KITDownloadable Forms

<< Paddy Plunge Pledge Form

Be a "Penguin Pledger" and collect donations to support your commitment to the Summer Rec Camp Program! As you reach and surpass your fundraising goal, you become a true hero of the icy waters, demonstrating the power of collective giving. Your donors can give directly to you online, by check or cash. Use the Paddy Plunge Pledge Sheet to track your progress and donors.

<< Sponsor Information Flyer

Learn more about becoming an event sponsor. Your donation not only directly benefits teh Summer Recreation Camp Program, but will also earn you some pretty COOL event recognition! 

<< Release of Liability Waiver

All Plunge participants will be required to sign a waiver of liability onsite at the event, if under 18 years old, Parent/Guardian must also sign. Forms will be provided for you, but here's the draft included with your registration. 

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