Turkey dip: a Thanksgiving tradition

GRISWOLD, Conn. (WTNH) -- It's a Thanksgiving tradition that's only for the brave: jumping into freezing cold water, with winter just around the corner. It's something more than a dozen people did Thursday morning in Griswold, and it's all for a good cause.

"When you think of Thanksgiving you got football, you have turkey, and well you're kind of a turkey," said News 8's Tina Detelj.

Absolutely, gobble gobble," said Jeff Collins, of Griswold.

Collins has been jumping into the chilly waters behind the Jascques Cartier (French) Club for all 10 years of the Turkey Dip.

Sandra Dickens has taken the plunge the last three.

"Some days it's icy, but it doesn't look too bad today," said Dickens.

It's a Thanksgiving day tradition for hearty souls. Griswold's First Selectman was the first to test the water, while the Jewett City Fire Department suited up just in case anyone was overcome by the cold.

The official temperature of the water Thursday morning was 45 degrees and just in case that wasn't cold enough they added ice.

Finally after some very chilly anticipation, more than a dozen braved the late November waters. And they were out as quickly as they were in.

"You had the before and now you got the after," said Collins.

"How was it," asked News 8's Tina Detelj.

"Invigorating," said Collins.

It was cold. I can't feel my toes right now. Our toes were numb before we got into the water. So that was wonderful," said Kaitlyn Farwell and Amanda Sciola.

With that pain came a big gain for the Griswold booster club. Connor Gleason raised the most money, $1,300, easier than taking the dip.

"How was that," asked Detelj.

"Cold," replied Connor Gleason.

"Are you doing to do it again next year," asked Detelj.

"Maybe," Gleason said.

Wait until he warms back up.

"I got 364 days to think about what I'm going to wear next year," Collins said. "Happy Thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgiving to everybody, have a safe and happy holiday."