Times Observer art by Dave Ferry The above illustration is an interpretation of the mythical and possibly near extinct Polar Plunge champion leaping from the icy waters of the lake at Chapman State Park

Where have all the Vikings gone?

The majestic Polar Bear may not be indigenous to our area, but there is one local, rare, species acclimated to the Allegheny tundra that appears to be threatened to near extinction.

It is the brave and fearless Nordic Warriors of the Winterfest Polar Plunge of whom I speak.

Winterfest organizer Ed Atwood has presented the Times Observer with compelling photographic evidence that suggests the fierce, hot-blooded beasts have either migrated to more challenging landscapes, or have simply gone home, proverbial tails between legs.

According to Atwood, 2019’s Winterfest pulled in a whopping seven participants. That’s including The Salvation Army’s Captain Keith Jache, who has plunged in every plunge since 2017.

Photo submitted to Times Observer This photo from the 2013 Patrick Shine Memorial Polar Bear Plunge at Chapman State Park clearly showcasess a crowd-pleasing event.

The Polar Plunge has been one of the Salvation Army’s biggest fundraisers. In the years past, having attracted upwards of 73 Yukon Jacks and Jills, the Polar Plunge alone has raised up to $15,000 for the charity, Atwood said.

Of course, the argument could be made that ever since breaking ground on the restoration project at Chapman Dam State Park in September of 2017, the limited access to available park areas and its amenities due to the ongoing construction, there just hasn’t been the space to accommodate the number of visitors a full Winterfest can attract.

Furthermore, year to year weather inconsistencies have occasionally produced much less than anticipated snowfall at the most inconvenient of times.

Coupled with ever-changing funding sources due to historically charitable businesses and organizations forced to reevaluate which area events to support throughout the year, it’s not too hard to guess why Warren’s annual Winterfest event might seem to have diminished slightly from the big event draw of years past.

But all that could change in 2020 now that the Chapman rehabilitation project has been brought to a formal conclusion. Dam repairs have been made and the lake was reopened this past summer.

Photo submitted to Times Observer This photo from the 2019 Patrick Shine Memorial Polar Bear Plunge at Chapman State Park indicates a marked decline in plunge participants.

Last week, the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission reintroduced Brown and Rainbow Trout at Chapman for the first time since March 2016.

With full access to the park areas and amenities, Atwood hopes to see the event ascend to its rightful glory once again.

So, which is it? The economics of change? Or have the surly frost giants retreated to J∫tunheim [yú-too?n-heym] amid rumors of changing climates and declining populations?

Perhaps.

But much like all warm-blooded mammals that adapt to survive, it could be that the elusive creatures have merely been lying in a dormant state, storing energy for such time that they may be called upon to christen the icy waters of the newly rehabilitated Chapman Lake.

Photo submitted to Times Observer This photo from the 2013 Patrick Shine Memorial Polar Bear Plunge at Chapman State Park shows more fearless ice warriors from years past.

Have the underground crevices once used for hibernation been replaced by the comforts and warmth of our she-sheds and man caves? Have our iPods and our YouTubes made us so soft that many would prefer to remain indoors and watch a Net Flick?

With all of the local sports organizations, church groups, and hunters known to be in this area, one might think the Winterfest Polar Plunge could easily attract, what? 50? 75? Gung-ho pledgers with fire in their veins?

Atwood hopes 2020’s Winterfest will kick-off a new era for what has traditionally been one of the region’s biggest outdoor winter events. And that means more than the Polar Plunge will need help.

Beginning on Friday, January 17, Winterfest kicks off at 9 a.m. with the 32 mile race, part of the Jim Lobdell Memorial Sled Dog Race at Chapman State Park. A “Meet the Musher” supper will be held Friday at 5 p.m. at the nearby Kalbfus Rod and Gun Club. The start/finish line for all Lobdell races will be in the campground parking lot at the southeastern end of the park.

According to Atwood, “Saturday is the big day” starting with the sled dogs, which he says are “always a good show, but you have to be there by 9 a.m.” or you won’t get to see them until they reach the finish line of the 12-mile course.

Photo submitted to Times Observer This photo from the 2013 Patrick Shine Memorial Polar Bear Plunge at Chapman State Park clearly showcasess a crowd-pleasing event.

Volunteers are also needed to help with the canine weight pull, slated for Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. So if you’re not up for jumping in the icy waters, there are other ways to help out.

Along with the Sled Riding Hill on the west side of the lake open to the public, there will also be ice fishing and The Quadrathlon at Pavilion #2. There will also be a Geocachers “Geomeet” in Pavilion #2 on Saturday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

The Allegheny National Forest Snowmobile Loop passes through Chapman State Park. Snowmobilers riding the four-county Loop are welcome to stop at the park and enjoy Winterfest.

But if you think you’ve got what it takes, don’t hesitate to register for the Patrick Shine Memorial Polar Bear Plunge that takes place Saturday, January 18 at 2 p.m.

Eager pledgers are encouraged to visit www.warrencountywinterfest.com/Polar–Bear–Plunge.html. Download the form to register with the Salvation Army. Completed forms should be mailed to The Salvation Army, 311 Beech Street Warren, Pa 16365.

For information on how to assist the 2020 Winterfest via charitable contributions, contact Wes Ramsey at the Penn Soil RC&D office at (814) 726-1441.

Anyone who’s interested in volunteering to help at the event may contact either the Chapman State Park office at (814) 723-0250 or the Warren County Visitor’s Bureau at (814) 726-1222.