HELEN - The lake water wasn't as cold as in past years, but more than 50 people still turned out to take a refreshing splash at Unicoi Beach in Helen Friday morning.
The third-annual Polar Bear Plunge, sponsored by Friends of Unicoi State Park, was held at 11 a.m. and featured participants of all ages.
Marty Schmehling, who heads up the event for the Friends group, said this year's event date was a little bit of a gamble.
"We took a chance on doing it on New Year's Day," Schmehling said. "We've always done it on the Saturday between Christmas and New Year's, and we decided the day after Christmas was not a good day to do it."
Nicholas Bane and Michelle Schenck of Tampa, Fla., found out about the Plunge while visiting the Helen Welcome Center as part of their New Year's trip.
"We decided to come to Helen because we heard it was such a fun place to go for New Year's, so we went to the Festhalle last night and we had a blast," Schenck said. "Everyone's been super nice."
Schenck said the Polar Bear Plunge concept was something different.
"We thought, 'how cool is that' because we don't get anything like that in Tampa - especially with it being so warm," Schenck said. "It supports the park, so we thought that would be beneficial for here and something fun for us to do, too."
Schenck said the water temperature was a little warmer than she expected, adding they might have to come back for the event next year if the weather is cooler.
Schmehling is pleased with the turnout, though it could always be better.
"We topped what we did last year, so I'm happy," Schmehling said. "We had 53 people plunge that paid."
The event and the soup, hot chocolate and other refreshments sold during it raise money for improvements at the park.
Schmehling said the 2016 weather is better than at the event last year.
"Last year the sand was frozen, so it's warmer," Schmehling said. "The water in the lake is definitely warmer this year."
Officials hope the word will spread and participation will increase in future years.
Proceeds help Friends of Unicoi State Park purchase equipment for the park, help out in the campgrounds and take care of other needs in the park.
