The folks at Keep Virginia Beautiful (KVB) had to admit it. They were a bit nervous prior to KVB’s 2018 “Shiver in the River.”

In late January, Virginia’s James River was well above flood stage because of several weeks of rainy weather. But after 10-plus days of gorgeous weather, the James receded, and hundreds of volunteers flocked to Historic Tredegar for the 4th Annual Shiver in the River. Perhaps it was the decision to move in from January to February this year, but it turned into a beautiful, mild day for Virginia’s Coolest Winter Festival. The water temperature the first two years had been in the 30’s. In 2017, the temperature in the James was 46 degrees. Those who took a splash this year enjoyed a balmy 56 degree James!

Now that the results have been tallied, more than 500 people gathered well over a ton of trash from in and around the James River. Moreover, 435 people enjoyed a beautiful walk/run along and through James River Park for the 5K, again crossing the beautiful Potterfield Bridge.

But slightly more than 200 hardy souls stripped down to their bathing suits, tutus, and more (or less!) for the James River Jump, helping to raise much-needed funds to keep Virginia beautiful! Participants are still taking donations for their teams — and efforts — at First Giving.

KVB thanks the bands Strummer, Tin Can Fish Band and MOZO for their entertainment. A number of nonprofit partners volunteered time, energy, and tremendous assets, and many sponsors donated time, services and finances to help make Shiver in the River a great event yet again. Hundreds of people made donations and signed the Keep Virginia Beautiful Pledge.

Most of all, we have to thank all of those who just showed up! In addition to all of those who were active participants, many more just came to enjoy our Winter Festival, making it perhaps our biggest crowd yet! Lastly, KVB thanks Dave Parrish Photography and Adrienne Eichner for the many photographs they took, which are posted here on the Shiver in the River Facebook Gallery.

(Photo above by Dave Parrish.)