OLCOTT: Thousands on hand as 997 take annual Polar plunge

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March 8, 2010

By Bill Wolcott The Niagara Gazette Mon Mar 08, 2010, 01:04 AM EST

The Pirates of the Chillibbean made a big splash in what they called their “Final Farewell Plunge” on Sunday in the Olcott Lions Club Polar Bear Swim for Sight.

The Grand Island group entered about 60 men and women in the annual dip into Lake Ontario at Olcott Beach. Sunny skies and 39 degree temperatures drew 997 Polar Bears. This year, the Chillibbeans had the Polar Bear Queen in their party.

Jackie Marie Wilk, 21, of Buffalo beamed in her white bathing suit which was highlighted by the queen’s tiara, sash and flowers. “It was my first time and a great experience. I will do it next year for sure, absolutely,” she said.

The Pirates of the Chillibbean started with six Polar Bears five years ago, according to Peter Schlau of Grand Island. Now there’s more than 10 times that.

“For a number of the group, it’s their fifth and final year,” Schlau said. “We’re just plain getting old. They’ll be coming here to celebrate and support. They just won’t be going in the water. However, the group will live on.”

Thousands of folks in a partying mood rimmed Olcott Beach while nearly a thousand more flopped in the carved-out ice hole on Lake Ontario.

“We came earlier, I was just getting our drink on, doing my thing,” Wilk said. “I saw all these girls and I didn’t think I could compete against them. Then, a guy pulled me aside and said, ‘You’re the queen’ ... Oh my gosh!”

Wilk was one of about 20 Polar Bear Queen candidates who braved the chill in the icy water. Jackie does house keeping and mom Donna Johnson said, “I encouraged her to do something like this, because she wants to get into modeling.”

Diana Vito, an office manager from Buffalo, and Alicia Liable, a social worker originally from Niagara Falls, had minor blood streaks on their legs. “These are glory wounds, right here,” said Vito who enjoyed her maiden swim.

“I was just in the neighborhood in a bathing suit and I thought it would be a good time to hop in the water,” she joked. “Really, I’ve always wanted to do it and I never made it in time, so I was excited to get here today.”

“It was freezing, but it was good,” Liable said. “Once you get in, it’s not as bad as you think it would be. The ice kind of cuts you up a little bit though.”

John Ali of Grand Island came with a family of nieces, boyfriends, nephews, brothers and his son. They wore T-shirts that read, “You are always in our heart, Stephanie and Gracie.”

“My daughter used to participate every year,” Ali said. “She died in January with my granddaughter, Gracie, in a car accident. We’re doing this in memory of my daughter. She used to do this every year. She was 22.” Grace Ingalsbe was five months old.

There were pockets of green on the salty and muddied beach. Those were the folks preparing to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. A leprechaun presented kids with emerald beads. Kerry Kromer, Sanborn, green cap, green hair, green shirt, and orange pants for St. Patrick’s Day.”

Several youngsters followed the queen candidates in the water. Sarah Ceismer, 16, looked forward to first her time. “It will be freezing,” Starpoint High School student said. “I’m just doing it for fun and to help out with charity.”

A couple young men painted “Free hugs” on their chests and backs. Some carried a sign that read, “The beating will continue until morale improves.”

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