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Evergreen New Year's Day Lake Plunge

DAVE GIBSON
Posted 1/8/25

Evergreen New Year’s Day Lake Plunge

DAVE GIBSON

EVERGREEN – New Year’s resolutions come in many forms. Some folks promise themselves that they’ll lose weight, quit smoking, spend more quality time with family, or live in the moment, pursuing...

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Evergreen New Year's Day Lake Plunge

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EVERGREEN – New Year’s resolutions come in many forms. Some folks promise themselves that they’ll lose weight, quit smoking, spend more quality time with family, or live in the moment, pursuing what they love and appreciating every day that they are given.

While these are admirable goals that can be life-changing, many if not most tend to slowly revert to old habits after about a month or so.

On New Year’s Day at 10 a.m., 429 people resolved to jump into the frigid waters of Evergreen Lake in Evergreen, Colorado. A rectangular hole had been cut through the ice in which, one by one or in pairs, they would muster all the courage at their disposal to take the bone-chilling plunge.

Given foreboding warnings and egged on by a good dose of comic relief, participants were offered a chance to back out at the last second but none did.

Why anyone in their right mind and of free will would try this probably varies from person to person. The mind-numbing, body-biting shock that was experienced when they hit the water could take your breath away (on this occasion just temporarily).

How much worse could things get than being suddenly immersed in a freezing-cold lake? Invigorated physically and mentally by the undertaking, the polar plungers were ready to tackle anything life brings their way in 2025.

Over $25,000 was raised, benefiting the Active4All Evergreen Foundation. In concert with the Evergreen Park & Recreation District’s INSPIRE program, they provide inclusive recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities, helping them thrive through adaptive activities, social engagement, and physical fitness.

CBS News anchor, long-time Evergreen Lake Plunge emcee, and board member Alan Gionet offered that “Activity is not merely the province of the physically gifted, it’s for the spirit of all. The more you get out of the outside, the more hope you have on the inside.”