By Amy Modesti
Snow showers didn’t stop one hundred courageous plungers from taking part in the 38th Annual Winter Festival’s polar plunge on Saturday morning, January 21, at Grafton Lakes State Park (GLSP). Spectators observed plungers rush into the icy water to benefit the Our Lady of the Snow Parish Food Pantry.
The polar plunge wasn’t the only attraction keeping visitors entertained at GLSP. Plenty of winter fun was had both outdoors and inside the Welcome Center. Outdoor activities included snow bowling, kick sledding, carriage rides, chainsaw demos from Rayzor’s Edge, warming up at a giant bonfire, hanging out in a snow fort, and meeting sled dogs, northland newfoundlands, and bloodhounds.
The Welcome Center provided a place to get warm and enjoy more attractions. Visitors interacted with organizations such as Trout Unlimited, Girl Scouts of the USA, Grafton Historical Society, Friends of Grafton Lakes State Park, and Rensselaer County Conservation Alliance. Children colored designs at the crafting table, took home balloon art from Balloon Gal Jenny, touched snakes and reptiles from Uncharted Wild, and observed birds from Silent Wings.
Visitors could also take part in walks and hikes provided throughout the day by local conservation organizations including: mindful walk, animal signs, snowshoeing, kids scavenger hunt, and nature hike.
Grafton Lakes State Park is open year round. Like Grafton Lakes State Park on Facebook. Visit https://parks.ny.gov/parks/graftonlakes for more info.
