This February, Newport was transformed into a bustling hub of excitement as it hosted the 10th Annual Winter Swim Festival. Held at Lake Memphremagog and the EastSide Restaurant & Pub, this event attracted 169 winter swimmers and around 40 volunteers, celebrating the joy of winter swimming from February 22-24, 2024.
The festivities kicked off with an Opening Ceremony featuring Newport’s Mayor Linda Joy Sullivan and an inaugural swim by the local group Sharkbait Sheilas. A Warm-Up Party at Jasper’s Tavern saw several esteemed swimmers signing the ceiling of the bar, marking their achievements and continuing a cherished tradition.
Participants traveled from far and wide, including places like British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, California, Mexico, Texas, Arizona, the United Kingdom, New Brunswick, Quebec, and various U.S. states. The event saw varying weather conditions, with temperatures ranging from a chilly 2 F to a warmer, sunny day in the 20s.
The competition was fierce, with swimmers battling it out in various events like the 25-meter Free, 50-meter Free, and 4 x 25 Virgin Relay. Notably, Stephen Rouch and Amy Meskill emerged as some of the standout athletes, setting new pool records. There were also special grudge matches, like the 200-meter Free clash between Ed Gabriels and Ted Hirsch.
Awards were diverse, including prizes for the top swimmers and recognition for categories like Para/Adaptive, Non-Binary, and Trans swimmers. The festival also included a Hat Competition, awarding creative and unique hats worn by participants.
The event’s history dates back to 2015, starting as a collaboration with several winter swimming associations and evolving into a standalone festival prioritizing community over competition. Over the years, it has grown significantly, offering a unique and joyful experience to all involved.
Notably, the event also celebrated resilience and camaraderie. Swimmers like Martha Wood and Andie Nelson proudly displayed their scars, symbolizing their triumph over adversity. The festival also included a touching Ribbon Ceremony, supporting the Halo Foundation in its fight against cancer.
The festival concluded with various other awards and acknowledgements, including recognitions for those who traveled long distances and for engaging in unique and spirited contributions to the event.
As the festival wrapped up, plans were already underway for the 11th Annual Memphremagog Winter Swim Festival in 2025, promising another year of exciting winter swimming in Newport, Vermont.
