The fourth annual Polar Plunge to benefit the Forever Paws Animal Shelter took place on New Year's Day, 2014, at Sandy Beach in the City's South end. Sponsored by the City's Neighborhood Association, the event drew about 200 people, most of them spectators, to watch several city officials and dozens of others wade into the frigid water. The air temperature hovered in the mid 20s with the water temperature in the low 40s. Mayor William Flanagan thanked everyone for their support of the Animal Shelter before he led the group into the water following a countdown. Everyone splashed and some dove in, but no one stayed very long before returning to the shore to dry off. All were welcomed into a crowded tent to enjoy hot dogs provided by Greater Fall River Re-Creation. Forever Paws staff were pleased with the turnout and hoped that the donations will help them continue to provide shelter to animals throughout the year.  Click here for a four-minute video of the event. Click here for the Herald News story. Click here for photos of last year's event. For more information, contact Neighborhood Outreach Coordinator Perry Long at 508-676-0324

(Top row) The crowd gathers at Sandy Beach while Casey Carvalho, Mercades Sutherland and Tiffany Frapes wait for Mayor Flanagan to give the signal to plunge into the 40 degree water. (Row three) Fall River Mayor Flanagan exits the frigid water with about fifty others who took the plunge. (Row four, left) Fall River Fire Department personnel Pete Richard, Jim Cusick and Lt. Jim Wilson pose for a photo with Mayor Flanagan. (Row four, center) WSAR Radio Host Frank Wing joins City Councilor Ray Mitchell and City Neighborhood Coordinator Perry Long. (Row four, right) Melodie West of East Taunton warms up after her plunge. (Row five, left) Emma Reis and her friend, Lexie Desmarais, is splashed by her father, David Reis, as they run out of the water. (Row five, center and right) New Bedford Animal Control Officer Manny Maciel emerges from his fourth annual Plunge event at Sandy Beach where donations to support the Forever Paws Animal Shelter  are raised. (Bottom row, left) Forever Paws staff member Rachele Allen dries off as her mother, Debbie, watches. (Bottom row, center) Mackenzie, Melanie and Faith Nunez enjoy a hot dog served by Greater Fall River Re-Creation staff members Jonathan Furtado and Josh Sylvester.