The Seventh Annual Hopatcong Leap in the Lake

 The annual Leap in the Lake, a local Valentine's Day tradition, occurred on Saturday, February 13, 2016, with close to 400 brave folks (some otherwise), wading into frozen Lake Hopatcong for the seventh annual Leap in the Lake, sponsored by the Lake Hopatcong Elks, at Hopatcong State Park.  On the shore and up at the Hopatcong State Park parking lot, emergency personnel, including members of USCG Auxiliary Flotilla 15-10 stood by in case a plunger showed signs of hypothermia or other medical issues.

Participant attire varied from bathing suits and bikinis, various costumes and a few masquerade masks. Santa Claus even joined in the festivities as spectators watched friends and loved ones dip into the water. Some people submerged their whole bodies, while others went only waist deep. Brrrrrrrrrrr

Participants were asked to raise at least $50 to join in the event. Money raised goes towards the local Elks' Club special children's committee which sends disabled children to Camp Moore in Haskell at no cost to the parents and helps fund the organization's drug awareness committee, which sends kids to peer leadership programs that stress a drug-free message.  Initial estimates have it that over $3,600 was collected for their cause.

Trophies were awarded to plunging teams that raised the most money or had the best costume, among other prizes. Plungers received a “Leap in the Lake” sweatshirt, and a complimentary ticket to the post leap party at the Lake Hopatcong Elks Lodge. 

For the rest of us, we will wait for Spring before getting our toes wet.