Freezin’ for a reason: Frosty Frolic goes virtual

By TAYLOR BROWN

tbrown@yourmvi.com

Not many people wakeboard on the Monongahela River during winter, but that might be one of many strange sights in the coming weeks.

Area residents are finding creative ways to show themselves “freezin’ for a reason” for the annual Frosty Frolic, which has taken a virtual approach this year.

Instead of jumping into the river, this year’s fundraiser will encourage people across the Mon Valley to support California Area students without having to get wet — but they might have to be a bit chilly.

The California Area School District Foundation decided to take a virtual approach to the Frosty Frolic this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic — and has already been amused by results uploaded to the event’s Facebook page.

Walter MacFann, president of the foundation, said it was important to continue the tradition and hopes the virtual approach will encourage more people to participate.

“Not everyone wants to jump in the river in the middle of winter,” MacFann said. “But this will give people the opportunity to get involved who might not be able to take that risk by taking a dip in the Mon in February.”

MacFann took a video of himself laying down in Pike Run Creek, but hasn’t uploaded it yet.

“It was way better than jumping in the river,” he said. “But it was still a bit cold.”

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