A participant of WinterFest’s polar plunge braves the icy waters of Nashawannuck Pond in Easthampton on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025.
Republican file photo
EASTHAMPTON — As part of the city’s annual WinterFest event and fundraiser for Nashawannuck Pond, the Easthampton Fire Department will host its Polar Plunge for the third straight year on Feb. 14 from 3-4 p.m.
Easthampton Fire Department Chief Christopher Norris told Reminder Publishing that the department is happy to play a role in WinterFest’s culminating day, which is jam-packed with events and celebrations around the city in support of the pond.
“Going into our third year, we’re building off the first two successful years. We’ve had great participation and great community engagement. Each year, we have around 100 participants who take the plunge,” said Norris. “I think it does a couple of things; it helps add an attraction to the overall WinterFest activities and helps draw people to the community for those days’ events. It also acts as a fundraiser.”
For this year’s plunge, the Fire Department will sell specially-made T-shirts that cost $30. All proceeds will go to the Nashawannuck Pond Committee to help their efforts in upkeep and maintenance of the pond area.
A donation of $5 per participant is also suggested.
“We want people to come and just engage in the community activity, but certainly as an indirect benefit, if we can raise even a little bit of money to help with the upkeep and maintenance of the pond, that’s certainly an added benefit,” said Norris. “We’re hoping we can get another 100 participants this year. I think it’s a great activity in community spirit and community engagement.”
There is no formal online registration for the event. Interested participants can sign up and sign a waiver form for the event on the day of WinterFest. Norris said the turnout has increased over the event’s first two years, and he hopes to see that growth continue.
The plunge takes place near the Winterfest’s bonfire. The Fire Department will have staff guiding participants in the water and a heating tent organized by the city’s Community Emergency Response Team as safety precautions for participants.
“The Community Emergency Response Team is a great asset, and they are a key resource to pull this event off,” said Norris, who added that they have had zero injuries during the event’s first two years.
Norris said he has yet to take the plunge on event day, but noted that he could be persuaded this year. He also mentioned that Mayor Salem Derby is expected to take the plunge at the event.
He added that he looks forward to another successful Polar Plunge on the final day of WinterFest.
“I think in terms of the activity itself, it gives people something to look forward to during the winter months, and again with the Fire Department getting out there and collaborating with those activities and other events, I think it’s a great overall event for everyone in the community,” said Norris. “We encourage people, whether you do it by yourself or with a group of people; it’s great seeing people’s energy and excitement. Kickoff is at 3 p.m., and we basically keep it open for an hour … come one come all.”
