DARING DIVERS TAKE THE PLUNGE

OGDENSBURG — The fourth annual Polar Bear Plunge, the most popular event of the Ogdensburg River Shiver Festival, started with a cannonball from 9-year-old Tanner M. Massic.

Forty-six jumpers followed Tanner into the icy St. Lawrence River on Sunday, raising more than $6,300 for the Ogdensburg Chamber of Commerce and the Ogdensburg Volunteer Rescue Squad.

"It was colder than I thought," said Tanner D. Lashum, who jumped in wearing a Superman cape and sunglasses. He dove into the water headfirst, with arms in the flying position. "It was just one of those things you've got to do before you die."

The ice was nearly 2 feet thick and the water temperature was 33 degrees. The air outside was 31.

"I'm trying not to think about it until I get there," Amanda K. Woods said as she prepared for her dive. "Then I'll jump right in."

The youngest diver was 7 and the oldest was 61. Jumpers wore everything from wet suits to just boxer shorts and attempted swan dives, cannonballs and even midair rugby tosses and touchdowns.

It was the first time diving in the near freezing water for David S. Wright, who wore a grass skirt and bikini top for the jump.

"I never knew what to expect. It was cold, but I'm definitely doing it again next year," he said. "If something weird or crazy comes before me, I've got to do it."

After the dives, the jumpers warmed themselves in a 104-degree hot tub.

"Anybody jumping in with a pink tutu on is definitely meeting the standards for the event," said David Demers, who helped organize the plunge.

Mr. Demers estimated 500 people came to watch the event.

As the divers jumped and the bystanders cheered or ate chili and hot dogs, the re-enactment of the War of 1812 Battle of Ogdensburg could be heard booming from Lighthouse Point.

The re-enactment also was part of the River Shiver Festival. The historical event had about 50 re-enactors dressed in period clothes, using muskets and cannons from the era.

"This is something new and we thought we'd come and see it," said Candace B. Murdock, who traveled from Florida for the festival. Mrs. Murdock was born and raised in Ogdensburg and watched the battle re-enactment with her two sisters.

"I'll most likely be here next year," she said. "My niece promised she's going to jump in the river."

Larry Martin, of Russell, raised about $1,600 for the Polar Bear Plunge, which was the largest individual amount raised. He was awarded 10 percent of the total amount collected.

Ogdensburg Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sandra M. Porter said no one claimed the $300 50/50 raffle prize. The winning ticket number was 1129715.