The 15th annual Sebago Lake Rotary Club ice fishing derby was cut short by cold temperatures and blizzard warnings. But Saturday’s Shaw’s Polar Dip to benefit the Maine Children’s Cancer Program went on as scheduled, and there was still an opportunity for anglers to land a winning fish on Saturday.
The
event got started on Saturday, February 14th, with an icy cold dip in the water
for many hearty souls. Ten teams and a few individuals leapt in waves of two to
eight people at a time into the frigid water at the 13th annual Shaw’s Polar
Dip.
A
small crowd gathered to watch the jumping, with many spectators commenting on
how cold they were just to be outside. The jumpers, often in bikinis or shorts,
looked cold but exhilarated as they acclimated to the outside temperature and took
the plunge. While an occasional jumper had to be coaxed into the water, most
leapt enthusiastically and came out smiling.
The
Auburn Lewiston Boys and Girls Club Basketball Team was on hand to jump. Youth
Resource Coordinator and team coach Lee Klarman said two teams raised $1,100
for the cause. As part of the basketball program, the youth participate in
community service as well as fundraising for money to pay for jerseys and
referees. The team members were enthusiastic about their participation in the
Polar Dip. Player Amgad Mohamed said, “It felt good because we did it for a
good cause, for the kids.”
According
to Tara Studley at the Maine Children's Cancer Program, participants in the
Polar Dip raised $25,000 for the program. An additional $35,000 was raised by
Shaw's Supermarkets through sales of polar bear icons at their registers,
bringing the grand total to $60,000.
Many
of the planned activities and vendors for the derby were cancelled due to the
temperatures and blizzard warning issued. Deb McPhail, president of the Rotary
Club, said that registrations were lower than last year, and on Saturday
morning said they were watching the weather closely to determine what would
happen for Sunday.
Aiyanna
Maciel, Emily Algeo, and Davis MacDonald were on hand from the Interact Club,
the high school group sponsored by the Rotary Club, to help out. “We do it
every year. It’s a fun way to experience winter,” said Maciel. “Without having
to do the polar dip,” she added with a laugh.
The
group was holding up a sign encouraging people to head to the food booth run by
the Rotary Club. “It’s really cold but we’re doing what we can,” said Algeo.
One
vendor that did not cancel their participation was Shaker Hill Outdoors. They
were present with outdoor items for sale, and an enticing fire pit. Russ Estes
said this was their second year at the derby. He said they participate in order
to promote ice fishing and their business. “We are ice fishermen and
snowmobilers, so we enjoy events like this,” he said. He added that they always
bring some small things that can bail people out in a pinch, like snowmobile
hitches and hats that can make the day much more enjoyable for someone who
forgot to bring one.
Spectators
Cherie Thomas and Matthew Vackiel said there were a lot less people in
attendance than in prior years. Part of that was the weather, and part of it
was the cancellation of the snowmobile trials, they said. Thomas said they came
to the event to see what the biggest fish was, and to see the polar dip.
On
Saturday afternoon, on the recommendation of the Warden Service, the club made
the decision to cancel fishing on Sunday and postpone the awards ceremony until
February 21st. It wasn’t a popular decision with some participants. Comments on
the derby Facebook page showed displeasure and frustration from some who didn’t
agree with the decision to cancel Sunday’s event, especially after the snowfall
was far less than anticipated.
At
the same time, there were several comments in support of the decision the club
made. McPhail said it was disappointing after months of work on the part of the
25 member club, but they had no control over Mother Nature. “The warden service
informed us that holding the derby Sunday would be a safety issue for the
public and first responders. We were very sad to have to shut down early, but
felt that we had no choice,” she said.
The
event is entirely run by volunteers, and proceeds support local charities. “We
run this event because we love the community and want to help others,” said
McPhail. She added that the club hopes everyone will join them for the awards
ceremony at 6 p.m. on Saturday, February 21, at the Windham Veterans Center.
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