Photos from Penguin Plunge for Special Olympics Middletown

State Rep. Christie Carpino  revisited her role as advocate of Special Olympians when she judged the costume contest at the Penguin Plunge to benefit Special Olympics of Connecticut.

 265 people plunged into the frigid waters of Crystal Lake on Feb. 23, 2013. A patch of ice had to be cleared from the lake to make way for plungers.The the costumes have become a part of what attracts large crowds of to see costumes and others take the plunge for a good cause. Middletown's Park and Recreation Department team called Frozen Fools lead by Karen Nocera and comprised of several department employees, and local students raised $3,000. Mayor Drew gave opening remarks, and plunged twice. Todd D'Aquila lead the fundraising for the Frozen Fools.  Other teams consisted of local high school student athletes and local law enforcement. Police plungers included. Emergency Personnel and First Responders were on duty throughout the event. Over all  nearly $50,000 was raised for Special Olympics. Click to enlarge reader submitted photos we assembled.

 In the photo above, Rep. Carpino on the left with PZ Commissioner  & plunger with Frozen Fools Molly Salafia.To the right is the entire Frozen Fools Park and Rec team from Middletown.

Local photographer Matt Kabel took photos of the day's events.
Many penguin costumes were worn.

Photo upper left, Mayor Dan Drew plunged twice, top right and bottom left.

Male Members of the Polish Falcons Nest 519 where the event was hosted dressed as princesses
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The Frozen Fools team donned tie dye shirts. Top right, Karen Nocera .

Male Members of the Polish Falcons Nest 519 where the event was hosted dressed as princesses and arrived in a carriage.