Costumed crews bring smiles to annual event
The chance to jump into the chilly ocean to help raise money for Special Olympics seems to draw all types of folks to Flagler Beach for the annual Polar Plunge, but Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory crew — complete with wigs, costumes and props — stole the show on Saturday.
Snagging the traveling “First Responder Award,” Flagler Beach Police Chief Matt Doughney, dressed as Willy Wonka, and his band of Oompa Loompas celebrated the win after a plunge in the Atlantic Ocean along with about 100 other volunteers.
“My name is Willy Wonka and I’m the owner of the chocolate factory,” Doughney said in explaining his getup.
Four months in the making, and with plenty of handmade costumes that the Flagler Beach Police Department intends to reuse come Halloween, keeping the plans under wraps was tough.
“It’s was a collaborative team effort. My administrative assistant and a friend of hers came up with the concept — just Willy Wonka and the Oompa Loompas," Doughney said. "Then grandpa and everyone else came along, so we decided since we’re one big family to go as a family.
“It was hard keeping it a secret, but it was well worth it."
Part of the Willy Wonka team, Beth Rafferty aka "Veruca Salt," went all in, wearing her signature red dress and tights as she hit the waves.
“It was freezing — I’m a Floridian and I do not like cold water or weather,” she said. “It’s a lot of fun because it’s a great cause. We do it every year and it’s the first time Flagler Beach PD has won in a long time so it was fun to support everything.”
Bringing in judges from various backgrounds — such as Flagler County Commissioner Charlie Eriksen, School Board candidate John Fischer, business owner Bob Boos and Flagler Auditorium executive director Lisa McDevitt — each looked for different criteria when judging the team and individual costumes.
“The costumes are very original,” said McDevitt. “We have everything from the fat lady to polar bears. It’s exciting and such a good cause, for the Special Olympics. When I was asked (to judge) I said of course, happy to do it.”
Penguins from team “Sandy’s Snowballs” put on a dancing routine and Dalton “The Boxer” Boice returned for a second year to wow the crowds with his moves.
Members of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office gave it a full-court press by dressing as dominoes and the chain reaction of them falling during the performance portion of the competition drew plenty of cheers, including from their boss, Sheriff Rick Staly.
“A bunch of crazy folks are going to get in some very cold water for a very good cause,” he said. “We’re proud to support them. We are the defending champions from last year — we’d hoped to win (the First Responder Award) two years in a row, but the competition was tough.”
In addition to picking up the “Best Team Costume” team award, sheriff's Sgt. Mike Lutz took home the award for staying in the 59-degree water the longest of any participant.