The first annual Polar Bear Plunge took place at Lake Maloya in Sugarite Canyon State Park Wednesday New Year’s Day.
All the proceeds from the plunge this year will be used to help build a veteran’s memorial near Legion Park near downtown Raton. The event was sponsored by the Raton Recreation Department.
A similar event had been held at Eagle Nest Lake in the past but has been cancelled due to low water levels at the lake. Lake Maloya however is sitting just below the spillway on the dam making for water depths of about 5 1/2 to 6 feet in the plunge area. According to Bob McIver, Sugarite Canyon State Park Superintendent, the water temp was near 34 degrees.
