BALDWINSVILLE — In 2021, the B’ville Big Chill — the annual fundraising juggernaut for the Baldwinsville Rotary Club and the Greater Baldwinsville Chamber of Commerce — was forced to go virtual because of the pandemic. But the outlook is sunnier for the 2022 event. If you’ve been itching to get back in the icy Seneca River, circle Jan. 29 on your calendar.
“There’s nothing that rivals people jumping in the icy river,” said GBCC President Matt Hunt.
Events like the Big Chill are vital for the chamber, which does not receive funding from municipalities or any other outside entities. GBCC relies on member dues and fundraising to fund its annual scholarship award and cover operating expenses.
“The chamber’s been in really tough financial times. Not being able to have events has really hurt us,” Hunt said.
Slowly, GBCC has been returning to in-person events, luncheons and coffee talks. Hunt said the chamber is optimistic that the 15th Annual B’ville Big Chill will return to its in-person status too.
Take the plunge
PLUNGE: The 15th Annual B’ville Big Chill takes place from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29, at Mercer Park in Baldwinsville. For just $5 per person you can sample food from area restaurants and eateries at the Best in Bowl competition. Each plunger must raise at least $100 to jump in the river. Visit bvillebigchill.com to sign up — join as an individual, join a team or start your own.
PLEDGE: Sponsorship opportunities are available, ranging from $100 to $2,000. Visit bvillebigchill.com to view the benefits of each level and sign up to support the cause.
PUB CRAWL: The Poker Bear Express Pub Crawl takes place from 4 to 8 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 29, at participating establishments in the village of Baldwinsville. Purchase a ticket for $10 and walk to participating bars to try to make a winning poker hand. The best hand wins a cash prize.
PRE-PARTY: Stay tuned for details about the donation drop-off party at WT Brews.
“We’re seeing a lot of people come out for these things, and it tells me that people need and want something. People want to get back out and be face-to-face and enjoy networking and spending time together,” he said.
Event organizers are looking into funneling foot traffic through an extra tent to improve air flow and reduce COVID risk, Hunt said.
“[We’re] excited to see all the pieces come together as long as COVID doesn’t throw a wrench in it,” Hunt said.
The Best in Bowl competition returns in 2022, and K-ROCK’s Josh Grosvent will DJ the festivities. After fundraisers have a chance to warm up, the fun continues at 4 p.m. Jan. 29 with the Poker Bear Express Pub Crawl.
The Big Chill will be advertised on a billboard on I-690 as well.
“That will be nice to promote the event in the city and get more people to come out,” Hunt said.
Despite the difficulties of the pandemic, GBCC recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. The celebration took place Dec. 7 at Abbott Farms. Onondaga County Legislator Ken Bush Jr. presented the chamber with a county proclamation marking the milestone.
“It speaks to the fact that we have a very supportive, tight-knit business community who’s willing to support the chamber and lots of other things in town. … People must appreciate what the chamber does for it to continue for that long,” Hunt said. “It reinforces the quality, the closeness and collaboration of the small businesses in our community. It has a pretty vibrant business community that a lot of people don’t really know about.”
To learn more about the Greater Baldwinsville Chamber of Commerce, visit baldwinsvillechamber.com. See the sidebar for more information about the B’ville Big Chill and sponsorship opportunities.
