Over 200 participants, representing Tamaqua and area YMCA branches, followed bagpipers into chilly water as part of the YMCA’s St. Patty’s Day Marsh Madness Polar Bear Plunge For Kids event held Saturday (March 14, 2015) at the Blue Marsh Lake in Leesport. The event is held every year via the YMCA of Reading and Berks County.
Members and volunteers with the Tamaqua YMCA chose to wear super hero costumes and retro prom dresses.
Plungers estimated the temperature of the lake to be in the mid 30’s.
This year’s event also included a 5K Trail Run Race prior to the plunge.
A total of over $43,600 was raised during both events. Funds from the plunge and 5K benefited numerous youth programs of the YMCA.
The event encourages each competing YMCA branch to compete with other teams in various categories. For the second year in a row, Tamaqua YMCA volunteer Eric Becker took first place in the overall costume contest.
Nick Zigmant, executive director, Tamaqua YMCA, stated his appreciation to all the Tamaqua participants who made the event a fun one.
Food and refreshments was also provided afterwards at the Sinking Spring YMCA.
Anyone wanting to participate in next year’s plunge is encouraged to call (570) 668-1234 or stop by the Tamaqua YMCA.

Click HERE to view the pre-event article.
Click HERE to view the event’s webpage.
Click HERE to view the event’s Facebook page.

TamaquaArea.com Video (includes cutting the ice, start of 5K race, polar bear plunge and program afterwards):

TamaquaArea.com 850 Photos (includes cutting the ice, start of 5K race, polar bear plunge and program afterwards):
(FYI: Photos are unedited.)
(Click HERE to view these 850 photos on Facebook… or HERE on our archive page.)