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Children asked to name plunge penguin

By Erin O'Connor

Staff Writer



WESTFIELD A four foot penguin is making its way around the city to entice locals to jump into Congamond Lakes for the third annual Penguin Plunge and outdoor festival to benefit the Amelia Park Children's Museum that will be on Jan. 27 at 11 a.m. in back of the Brass Rail Restaurant in Southwick.

The penguin will be the new mascot for the Plunge. Local businesses are hosting the as-yet unnamed mascot which is on loan from Symmetry Products Incorporated, one of the manufacturers for the new Museum's exhibits.

Area children are being asked to submit names for the penguin mascot at the Museum with the winning name to be announced at this year's Plunge.

"The Penguin Plunge has become one of the Museum's signature events and we continue to be amazed at its rapid growth via plunge participation and sponsor support," said Lynanne Nyarady, event co-chair.

Members of the Plunge Committee are still looking for people to participate. Last year there were 83 plungers and this year they are hoping to exceed 100 plungers. The minimum donation to plunge is $50. There will be prizes awarded for the biggest team and the best costumes and prizes awarded based on total funds raised

An incentive prize will be given to Plungers who register by January 19. Full time students will receive a registration discount of $25 with valid school ID.

CBS 3 evening anchor, Doug Lezette, a Southwick resident, will emcee this year's plunge.

New activities for this year include two 'Bests.' At the entrance, in lieu of an admission fee, attendees will be encouraged to make an entry donation by purchasing raffle tickets for $1 each to win one of the "Bests". One "Best" includes the "Best Seat in the House", a recliner donated by Bob's Discount Furniture, strategically positioned for the best view of the Plunge with the winner taking the 'seat' home.

Raffle tickets to win a "Best Suit in the House", a $400 men's suit donated by Yale Genton, will also be available.

Other activities include Carnival-style food concessions and novelties; Hole-In-One Contest to win a spa from Jelly Belly Pools and Spa; Kayak "Roll-In-The-Hole" with experts from Wilderness Experiences; and pony rides provided by Aspen Hill Farms in Feeding Hills.

"In addition to the plunge prizes, we are really working hard to ensure we have activities the whole family can enjoy," said Nyarady.

To sign up for the plunge or for more information visit the museum's web site at www.ameliaparkmuseum.org. or pick up a form at the museum.