FRANKLIN, Pa. (EYT) — Dozens of adventurous souls braved the chilly waters of Two Mile Run County Park on Saturday, February 4, for the annual Justus Jaunt & Polar Plunge.

(Photos by Gavin Fish / EYT Media.)

Participants of all ages gathered for the event, which saw a record turnout this year.

[Cris Krepp of Oil City (Polar Bear) and Darin Baker of Franklin (Shark) pose for pics with an eager spectator.]

As more and more people signed up to take part in the event this year, the line of participants waiting to take the plunge grew long.

(A line of participants and spectators awaiting check-in.)

Despite the chilly weather, the anticipation was palpable as participants chatted, laughed, and stamped their feet to keep warm.

Some donned costumes, while others came in their swimwear, all eager to make the plunge and support the park.

(A crew of first responders and support personnel await the start of the plunge.)

With the warming station and fire on the beach providing some respite from the cold, the wait was well worth it for the brave souls who took the plunge. The increased turnout was a testament to the growing popularity of the event and the community’s support for Two Mile Run County Park.

(Bridget Baker of Franklin, dressed in a bald eagle costume, wades into the frigid waters as participants made their way through registration.)

(James and Heather Lavergne of Buffalo, New York, and Jim and Lauren Paulson, of Utica, getting ready for the plunge.)

(Jeff Fonzo, Chad Clark, Fred Stevens, and Mike Cassano, all of Franklin, Marty Lynch, of Oil City, and Brett Hill, of Franklin.)

(Minutes before start time, participants and onlookers gather on the beach.)

(Luke Kauffman makes a few announcements as participants ready themselves for the freezing water.)