The sixth annual Polar Plunge to benefit the Forever Paws Animal Shelter took place on New Year's Day, 2017, 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 over 40 others wade into the frigid water. The air temperature hovered in the low 40s with the water temperature even lower. Mayor Jasiel Correia 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 then welcomed into a warming tent 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 the 2016 event. For more information about donating to Forever Paws, go to their web site at Forever Paws Animal Shelter.

.(Top row) Former City Councilor Pat Casey greets people including State Representative Alan Silvia and Mayor Jasiel Correia II as Diane Cote and Sue Mathius collect donations for Forever Paws Animal Shelter. (Row two) Members of the Durfee High swim team take a selfie as Missy Washington and Laurie Bipon, right, get ready to plunge. (Row three through five) Plungers wait for the countdown and splash into the water only to get out as fast as possible. (Row six) Diane Cote helps warm up plungers Tiffany and Casey Fredette as others don their clothes as Pete Richard, Jim Cusick of the Fall River Fire Department cold water rescue team leave the  water. (Bottom row) Evi DeChambeaux and Mayah Ahaesy, left, and volunteer Jean Limoges, right, pose for a photo after Forever Paws President Gail Furtado, center, thanks everyone for their donations.