BY ROBIN MIMNA
As 2025’s first light broke through the trees in DeLeon Springs State Park, an air of exhilaration mingled with the morning breeze. The weather was a brisk 60 degrees. It set the perfect stage for the third annual DeLeon Dunk, hosted by the Friends of DeLeon Springs. Participants gathered to celebrate the new year with a splash — quite literally — while supporting a cherished local resource.
The Dunk is no ordinary plunge; it’s a leap of faith as a fresh start to the year. At the pool’s edge, its 72-degree waters glinted in the sun. I felt a chill seep into my skin. Whispers of strategy passed through the crowd. “The left side might be warmer,” someone speculated.
Spoiler alert: It’s not.
Then the countdown… “Three, two, one!” With a splash, everyone jumped into the clear, spring-fed pool.
The water hit like a wake-up call. Cold enough to steal your breath for a second but also inducing instant laughter. People howled and cheered around me, and families leaped hand in hand, splashing into celebratory chaos. The shared experience left everyone glowing — although few dared to dive a second time. Huddled around a nearby firepit, laughter and warmth were contagious.
This year’s Dunk had several plunges. For safety, organizers limited each to 100 participants. The early, ticketed event had a treasure trove of goodies. For $15, attendees got a T-shirt, stickers, magnets, hot drinks, and mini pancakes from the famous Old Sugar Mill.
HAPPY DUNKERS — Here are DeLand Mayor Chris Cloudman and Georgia Turner, executive director of the West Volusia Tourism Advertising Authority, right after taking the plunge into the spring-fed pool on New Year’s Day.
“It’s a fun way to start the year,” Park Manager Kelli Akers said. “Participation has doubled each year.”
Following the Dunk, park rangers guided visitors on First Day hikes, allowing them to discover the park’s rich history and natural wonders along the trails. This was succeeded by a pancake-eating contest, where participants had the chance to win a $100 gift card.
“Having the opportunity to start the new year in nature brings a lot of people to the park,” Akers explained.
For DeLand resident Aida Paiva, the Dunk was more than a tradition.
“I’ve lived here for 70 years,” she reminisced while toweling off after making the plunge. “I used to ride my bike from DeLand to the springs and never see a car.” For her and many others, the Dunk embodies the park’s enduring charm and sense of community. “It’s cleansing — like washing away the past and starting fresh.”
As I warmed by the firepit, I reflected how leaping into the new year with joy and a sense of community was an excellent way to start. For those who haven’t experienced it yet, make this your resolution for 2026. You won’t regret starting your year with a splash.
