Dip information:

Take the Dip!

Cool Schools Dip in Laconia!

You’ve registered, you’ve fundraised, now it’s time to Dip!

All Dippers must sign a waiver before Dipping. Individuals under the age of 18 must have a parent/guardian complete their waiver. 

Friday, March 6

  • 8 AM             Margate opens to Dippers
  • 8-10 AM       Check-in at the Margate
  • 10:15 AM     Costume Parade in Ballroom
  • 11 AM           Dip!
  • 11:30 AM     Lunch
  • 12:15 PM     Awards
  • 1 PM            Departure

Arrival

The Margate opens for check-in at 8 AM We recommend that Dippers arrive no later than 9AM. Dippers can park at the Margate. There is overflow parking across the street if needed.

After check-in, Dippers can relax before the Dip in the ballroom which is located in the tunnel between the Inn and the Lakehouse. Spectators are welcome to watch but will not have access to the party in the ballroom. There will be music and a selection of beverages from our friends at Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast and coffee and hot chocolate from our friends at McDonalds.

At 10:15 AM the Costume Parade will take place. Individuals and teams can participate in the parade. There will be a panel of judges that will select the winners, which will be announced at the awards ceremony after the Dip.

The Dip

After the Costume Parade, Dippers will be called by wave to exit the ballroom heading left up the stairs into the bar / changing area.  Every Dipper will be assigned to a wave at check-in.  Waves limit the number of people taking the Dip at one time to about 30. Teams are always kept in the same wave.

Changing areas will be available for Dippers only. When you enter, volunteers will guide you to an open space to change and help keep things organized. Only Dippers are allowed in the changing tent and Dip area.

Male students, female students, male faculty/staff, and female faculty/staff have separate changing areas. You'll change into the clothes you'll wear into the water. PRO TIP: wear something on your feet - ideally wool socks! You'll leave anything that isn't going in the water with you in the 5-gallon bucket.  Please do not bring items with you that will not fit into a 5-gallon bucket.  We recommend that Dippers do not leave valuables in the changing areas.

After changing, Dippers will head to the beach for their wave. When it’s time, your group will make a splash together in the lake! After your dip, you’ll receive a towel and head back to the bar to change into dry clothes before returning to the Ballroom.

The Wild Splash Bash in the Margate

A nice warm lunch provided by our friends at Associated Grocers of New England will be waiting for you.

Enjoy a McDonald's chocolate chip cookie for dessert.

After all waves have Dipped, there will be an award ceremony.  Awards will be presented for:

  • Individual Fundraiser (person that raises the most money)
  • Team (the team that raises the most money)
  • Fundraising Team (the team with the highest per Dipper average)
  • Best Individual Costume
  • Best Team Costume

Everyone attending the Wild Splash Bash must have a wristband.