Winter Storm Leads To Cancellation of the 2023 Randy Wilson Memorial Polar Plunge.

There is a winter storm warning for New Years Day and now that we are 48 hours out from the event, where weather forecasts have a better chance of being more accurate, I've made the decision to cancel this years event.

The forecast calls for icy rain on Sunday morning turning to heavy snow by 10 a.m. which is the worst possible conditions to be encouraging people to try and drive on Lake Mary Road to get to the event.

This will be the first time since we started doing the polar plunge in 2011 that it has had to be called off due to weather and safety concerns.

I won't be out there this year cutting the plunge pool through the ice and at the moment the lake is ice covered so there will be no option to just run into the lake without cutting a plunge pool.

The event will return next year. Temperature has never been an issue but hazardous driving conditions through an active storm make staying off the roads a priority.

The tradition will continue! In memory of late Arizona Daily Sun Editor Randy Wilson, we will continue what has become an annual event and ceremonial start of a new year for so many of us. Please join us at high noon on Jan. 1, 2023, at the Upper Lake Mary boat ramp as we jump into a frozen Lake Mary.
Be sure to wear something on your feet and bring a towel. Sweater vests encouraged! Plungers will receive a signed certificate.