Brave Souls Endure Parker Polar Bear Plunge

by Jonathan Weaver

The smallest city in the nation will continue to have a big impact to local charities in 2017.

January 1, hundreds of people jumped into the Allegheny River during the Parker Polar Bear Plunge at the Parker City Boat Ramp (near Parkers Landing Canoe Kayak and Outfitter).

Event Co-founder Bob Bowser, of Parker, recalled how the idea originated in 2006.

“Me and one of the guys, Tony Davenport (of Foxburg), were sitting in our VFW just talking and thought it’d be a good idea to bring in the New Year with a refreshing start,” Bowser said.

In 2006, it started out with just Bowser, Davenport, Steve Say, Tom Myers and Kline Terwilliger and Bob’s brother, Greg. But, more than 250 people took the icy plunge in 2016 (the event’s 10-year anniversary) based on word of mouth. The event averages about 300 jumpers annually.

In addition to those running into the water (in bathing suits or costume), Bowser has come to expect as many as 1,500 people at the beach area to watch and enjoy a bonfire.

“It just took off – we’ve been donating money ever since to local organizations and local fire departments, different charities and whatever we can donate to,” Bowser said. “We get people from all over. It’s crazy how far some people come for this. It’s pretty amazing.”

Some of the charities the non-profit organization will specifically benefit from the 2017 proceeds include Camo-Cares/Hunt of a Lifetime, the Boys and Girls Club Along the Allegheny (in Emlenton) and local children with health needs.

$10 was donated from each polar bear or T-shirt buyer.

The A-C Valley Softball Team also sold hot dogs and hot chocolate to warm up plungers.
The club’s executive board is led by two who work at one of the establishments that benefit most during the plunge – Riverstone Lounge.

Waitress Mandy Libecco, of Parker, is the Polar Bear Club’s new president – even though she has never jumped in the freezing Allegheny River herself.

“I usually work the day of the plunge so I’m not able to participate, but love to see it going on,” Libecco said. “It is a lot of work, but the community’s really pulled together to make it easy.”

Vice-President Tammy Johnston said the band at the lounge’s night club – 80’s cover band Attagurl Rex – performs annually after they jump in the river.

“We are trying to benefit more very-local charities instead of other towns and areas,” Johnston said. “We want to keep as much money here as we can.”

An executive meeting is to be held in a few weeks to break down totals.

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