Jumping for Joy in Medicine Park

In Medicine Park we mark our time by events, after all we are a resort. Any month brings about a celebration. It may the first annual or even the tenth annual but you can be assured it has not been so formal as to negate spontaneity. If you live in or near the Park you plan your vacations as not to miss your favorites but you will miss a few. My husband and I missed a BIG one last year because of family obligations.

Today is the Polar Bear Plunge. It was the first event I ever attended back in 2001. I didn’t intend to be there but we drove passed going to check out the progress of building of our bungalow on Big Rock. And there, like on a movie set, were dozens of people jumping off the island into the frozen Bath Lake. Our builders explained what was going on, at least action-wise, but didn’t even attempt to explain the sanity or lack thereof. We were invited after the plunge to share in a piece of giant sub at the Park Tavern. And although we didn’t feel we deserved it, some one bought the new Parkies a beer. We didn’t jump then and we don’t jump now but we applaud, laugh, take pictures and have a beer. For us the Polar Bear Plunge signals that Spring is around the Creek bend.

Now one might think it gets old. It doesn’t. Always new jumpers. Always seasoned jumpers donning new garb. Sometimes breaking through the ice other times fighting for space in the water when February takes a warm turn like it promises to be today. So show up, jump or don’t. But join the fun. See you lake side and at the Park Tavern afterwards for refreshments with musical accompaniment. If you an out of towner snag a cottage, cabin or B&B and make a weekend of it.

Click EVENTS for more fun coming up.