Participants dipped into icy cold waters, kicking off their new year in Barbour County’s annual Polar Bear Plunge.
The Inter-Mountain reports the event took place at the boat ramp beneath Philippi’s Covered Bridge on New Year’s Day. The purpose of the annual event is to raise funds for the Barbour County Emergency Squad.
Sam Muncy, who says he is the self-appointed president of the Barbour River Rats, organized the event. Muncy says this was their 10th time having the event, which is always held on Jan. 1.
He says this year’s event was a success, with 12 people taking the plunge. Muncy says so far, they’ve collected $650, with more checks expected to come in.
Muncy says they’ve had up to 22 people participate before.