On 02/02/02 at Noon, Drowned Hogs Predict Springs Arrival!

On 02/02/02at noon, a hearty (some might say crazy) group of men and women, known as the Drowned Hogs, take to the waters of Nantasket beach in Hull, Massachusetts to try to outwit Pennsylvanias best by predicting Springs arrival. All benefits for Wellspring Multi-service Center in Hull, MA.

For Immediate Release
January 18, 2002

Drowned Hogs Predict Springs Arrival!

Since the nineteenth century America has eagerly awaited the emergence of its favorite rodent, Punxsutawney Phil from his den each year. Tradition has it that if the ground hog sees its shadow and returns to its burrow, spring will be late in coming. In that same vein, a hearty (some might say crazy) group of men and women, known as the Drowned Hogs, take to the waters of Nantasket beach in Hull, Massachusetts to try to outwit Pennsylvanias best by predicting Springs arrival.

Although emulating a ground hog in Massachusetts in February might seem to be somewhat questionable behavior to most, this august group has made it a South Shore tradition that locals swear by. And if past predictions are any indication, the Drowned Hogs have developed a better gauge than their Pennsylvania cousin. It works like this: if the Drowned Hogs frolic in the icy brine on the Saturday before Ground Hog Day and all submerge before returning then spring is just around the corner. But if even one fails, winter will be long and hard.

We havent been wrong in predicting the arrival of spring since we started in '96." Says Drowned Hogs Co-founder Al Bollinger. We have a better record than Punxsutawney Phil."
Whatever the result, it always proves a good time, especially since it all benefits the Wellspring Multi-Service Center. The Drowned Hogs took their first dip in the chilly Atlantic on February 2, 1996. Since then, the event has grown to become great success with hundreds of registered swimmers, thousands of spectators lining the sea wall and over $20,000 raised at last years' 2001 Splashdown.

As the momentum grows, we hope you will grow with us by swimming, sponsoring or just watching this years event on Saturday, February 2, 2002 at noon. It is sure to be a great event and there is still time to swim or sponsor to benefit Hulls Wellspring Multi-service Center.

The Cause:    Wellspring Multi-Service Center
The Event:    The Seventh Annual 'Drowned Hogs Day Swim
The Date:    02/02/02 at noon, Mary Jeannette Murray Bath House, Nantasket Ave. Hull

Wellspring has a fifteen-year history of providing superior services to those in need throughout the south shore. Wellspring provides a hand up, not a hand out in this trying time, through its crisis counseling, educational and job training programs, food bank and thrift shop. To become a swimmer or a sponsor simply call us at 781-925-3211 or visit www.DrownedHogs.com for more details.