The only way you could get me to the edge of Lake Lanier at noon on New Year’s Day for the 17th Annual Lake Lanier Canoe & Kayak Club’s Polar Bear Swim and Chili Cook Off is …
Yeah, no. There isn’t any way. None. At all. Unless — maybe — I could go with somebody on my Naughty List and pretend to jump into the frigid lake with them … and at the last moment step back and laugh at them flailing in the ice.
But I digress…
You should jump in the frigid waters of Lake Lanier on New Year’s Day for two reasons:
- It’s for a good cause.
- Because lots of people like me are not going to.
- You can brag about being tough enough to jump into the frigid water of Lake Lanier.
- It’s a very cool conversation starter, if you survive.
Whoa! Four reasons?
Who, What, When, Where & Why
- Who: Surprise! The Polar Bear Swim is open to the public.
- What & When: The Polar Bear Swim is simple: you jump into Lake Lanier at high noon on New Year’s Day.
- Where: The boathouse side of the Lake Lanier Olympic Venue.
- More Where: Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club, 3105 Clarks Bridge Rd., Gainesville, GA 30506
- Why: Because you might win a prize. Really.
Survivors get a T-shirt and compete for “bragging rights” for:
- best costume
- biggest splash
- best sponsored group jump
- oldest jumper and
- youngest jumper.
Please Note: Anyone who is pushed into Lake Lanier because they are on someone’s Naughty List will be disqualified. Thank you.
Survivors are free to go for a dip — no diving please — in the hot tub, before enjoying warm chili and hot chocolate following their “swim.”
What? Jumping in a cold lake isn’t your cup of iced tea?
Stay on land and enter the Chili Cook Off to show off your culinary skills. Categories include:
- red chili
- white chili
- chilly chili
- and vegetarian chili.
Still not sure if you want to jump into Lake Lanier on New Year’s Day? Think of how awake you’ll be to watch football all day and night!
