by Amy Modesti
Extreme cold? Check. Swimmers in crazy costumes jumping into Long Pond? Check. Petting huskies, Newfoundlands, bloodhounds, exotic animals and horses? Check. What do all these things symbolize? Cabin Fever!
Single digit temperatures didn’t stop visitors from attending and taking part in this year’s Cabin Fever at Grafton Lakes State Park (GLSP). Gutsy swimmers dressed in costumes, active wear and bathing suits braved the elements to dive into Long Pond. The NYS Police Dive Squad was on hand to assist swimmers with the Grafton Rescue Squad standing by to handle any medical emergencies during the annual Polar Plunge. Proceeds from the Plunge went to Our Lady of the Snow Food Pantry.
Plenty of outdoor and indoor fun was had Saturday, January 15, as visitors spent their day on the icy pond skating, ice fishing, keeping warm by the large bonfire and watching NYS Troopers take part in an ice rescue and dive demonstration. On land, visitors went on free snowmobile rides provided by the Grafton Trail Riders, rode on a horse carriage, played snow bowling, met sled huskies and bloodhounds, went on a kids scavenger hunt and took part in hikes provided by L.L. Bean and Taconic Hiking Club.
Visitors kept warm from the elements inside the Welcome Center. They ate sweets, drank warm cocoa and cider served by The Friends of Grafton Lakes State Park, held snakes and reptiles provided by Uncharted Wild LLC and received creative balloon art from Balloon Gal Jenny. Outside the Welcome Center, visitors gathered to roast marshmallows and made s’mores by the campfire.
Cabin Fever wouldn’t have been as successful as it was if it wasn’t for the volunteers, according to Rebecca Milanese, front desk receptionist and assistant event organizer at GLSP. “The volunteers and the exhibitors make this. They’re the ones going out there. Tons of different places, tons of different people and they’re bringing their passion for winter. They are the ones making this Winter Fest.”
Milanese also stated “We’ve been doing this for a long time. Tom Conklin, one of the original managers here, he started all of this. He wanted to do something in the winter. When people think of Grafton Lakes State Park, they think of the beach. We are open year round and there is so much more to do.”
As for what GLSP is planning post-Polar Plunge: a lot more hikes with and without snowshoes. But GLSP is going to be more relaxed for a bit. Visitors who wish to check out GLSP and its upcoming events can go on Facebook (Grafton Lakes State Park) or visit their website at https://parks.ny.gov/parks/graftonlakes.