Anyone who wants to mark the start of 2024 by dashing into Lake Erie — and doing it as part of a group — should visit Fairport Harbor Village on New Year’s Day.
Fairport Harbor Arts and Culture Alliance is holding its first-ever ‘Port Plunge at noon on Jan. 1. The location will be Lake Metroparks Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park, situated at 301 Huntington Beach Drive.
This event will bring together people who want to take a dip into the chilly waters of Lake Erie, and raise funds for the alliance’s efforts to offer upcoming fun and free community activities.
Registration fee, per person, for the plunge is $20 online and in advance, or $25 on-site the day of the event. For anyone intending to sign up on Jan. 1, registration at the park begins at 11:15 a.m.
To provide a safe environment for all plunge participants, four EMS-certified Fairport Harbor Fire Department firefighters will be on duty at the event. Two of the firefighters will be stationed in the water and the other two on the shoreline.
Everyone who registers will receive hot beverages provided by Julbeans Coffee and Crepes and pizza supplied by Rego’s Brickhouse Pizza. Both businesses are based in Fairport Harbor.
A proposal to conduct the ‘Port Plunge was introduced at the Fairport Harbor Arts and Culture Alliance’s November meeting. Group member Lee Negrelli offered that suggestion, said Alliance Co-Chairman Justin Levine.
Negrelli “had to do a little convincing” before alliance leaders warmed up to the idea of inviting people to venture into the frigid lake, Levine said.
“She brought up the health benefits of ice baths, and how many would see it as a good way to invigorate themselves to start off the new year,” he said.
The alliance then requested and received approval to hold the event from Fairport Harbor Village; Lake Metroparks, which manages Lakefront Park; and the Fairport Harbor Fire Department.
So far, the alliance has gotten a great response from people who have learned about the ‘Port Plunge through Facebook or other sources.
“Although many who see our posts online about jumping in the lake have more or less called us crazy, they have been tagging their friends and sharing a ton,” Levine said. “This has led us to receive registrations from all over Lake County and surrounding counties.”
Proceeds will help the alliance to cover the costs of organizing and carrying out its other 2024 events, which include Winter Fest on Jan. 27; and the Live at the Lighthouse Music Festival.
This year, Live at the Lighthouse will consist of two concerts: Reggae in the Harbor on July 13; and Jam by the Sand (formerly Jerry Garcia’s Birthday Celebration) on Aug. 3.
Winter Fest and the Live at the Lighthouse both offer free admission to the public.
The Fairport Harbor Arts and Culture Alliance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the support and growth of the arts and culture community in Fairport Harbor.
