With temperatures well below freezing for the past week, it was looking like the annual Vernon Winter Carnival Polar Bear Swim was going to be a real shock to the system for those brave enough to take an icy February dip.
But the Winter Carnival weather gods were smiling on the swimmers as the sun peeked out and temperatures rose to -3 C 鈥� for many, plenty warm enough for a dip.
"I was a little concerned about it being too cold, but it always turns out that we get sun on the Polar Bear Swim, which is wonderful," said event organizer Cassaundra Menzel.
Roughly 75 people, including a lot of families, jumped in Okanagan Lake at Paddlewheel Park as part of the annual Winter Carnival tradition that encapsulates the spirit of the festivities.
"I think it's wonderful that people want to get into a very cold lake in February regardless of the temperatures, and they're so happy to do it. I just love the big smiles that they have, whether they dip a toe in or whether they go all the way out to their necks," Menzel said.
For many years, the event has featured a polar bear mascot and for all of those years it never occurred to anyone to name it.
That changed this year, as Mission Hill Elementary students were tasked with coming up with potential names for the furry white mascot. A school-wide vote on the names was held, and the top four names were put on a ballot at the Polar Bear Swim.
The results of the ballot were revealed: the mascot's name is Snowball.
A 50/50 raffle, a silent auction, a cash concession and a market were held at the event, with all proceeds going towards serving young students at Mission Hill Elementary.
The 65th annual Vernon Winter Carnival has almost come to a close, but there are still a few events happening on Sunday, the lat day of the Carnival. For more information, visit vernonwintercarnival.com.
