Friends of Sugarite Host Their First Valentine’s Day Polar Bear Plunge

By Melody Mayfield

KRTN Multi-Media

Saturday February 15th, eight participants ranging in ages 50 to 70 took the plunge into the icy cold waters of Lake Maloya in Sugarite Canyon State Park under sunny blue skies and cool mid-forties temperatures.

The Polar Plunge event had been held in previous years, but this was the first year that the Friends of Sugarite Canyon State Park hosted the event. Personnel from Raton Fire and Emergency Services, New Mexico Game and Fish, and Sugarite Canyon State Park Staff all showed up to help with the event and Park Superintendent Walter Luba went into the lake sporting a dry suit to help assist jumpers navigate the cold water.

Jari Thymian of the Raton Rotary, participated as one of the most senior plungers. She stated that this was her first ice plunge and she took the jump “for the fun of it.  Also, I like the benefits of cold water. It’s really not that hard!  People think it’s scary because it’s cold but you can really get warmed up fast.  Your body works very hard to get you warm so in about 30 seconds out of the water you feel warm already.”

Another participant was Jarrod Chatterly, President of the Friends of Sugarite Canyon State Park.  He states there was a decent turn out considering it was the first year and not being able to publicize it as much as they had hoped to.  The funds raised during this event will go to the Friends of Sugarite, a non profit organization that has been around since 2008, but has been a supportive backbone of the Park for decades before.  They are a membership-based organization and rely greatly on the participation from their members to help make a difference. Membership requires 10 hours of service to the park yearly and has its perks including helping one of the most beautiful state parks in New Mexico.

The fundraising events sponsored by the Friends of Sugarite help repair equipment, purchase needed items not provided for in the state budget, picking up trash and more. Chatterly states he is happy to be involved with this community organization.  Right now they are in the process of restructuring and re-establishing themselves so they can be a better functioning organization.  With the restructuring they will have the ability to apply for grants. The group has some great ideas for future yearly events, bigger and better things are on the way for this well-loved state park,

The Polar Plunge is intended to be an annual event so be on the look out for it again in 2026.  In the mean time if you are looking to get involved and support Sugarite Canyon State Park, please visit the Friend of Sugarite website and look into becoming a member.