WESTFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The annual penguin plunge held at Hampton Ponds in Westfield has been canceled this year. The event which would have been its 21st year, was canceled after "unforeseen circumstances were encountered." in a statement sent to 22News from Amelia Park Children’s Museum. The plunge was scheduled for January 25th at the Hampton Ponds State Park in Westfield. 52 Sumner announces first performances of 2025 In years past, participants brave icy waters in the spirit of raising funds for the children's museum. Costumes were encouraged and several other activities were offered at the event such as a campfire, ice sculpting demonstration, hot cocoa, and s'mores. There was even a heating tent for those to change before and after plunging. The fundraiser was a staple to the community and one of the largest sources of funding for the museum. They have raised more than $350,000 through the years. A donation site has been added to help offset the loss of funds from this event. To make a donation visit ameliaparkmuseum.org. Amelia Park Children’s Museum spokesperson told 22News that they would not disclose the reasoning for the cancellation. Although they did say the museum is doing well and new exhibits have been installed recently. Amelia Park Children’s Museum is located at 29 South Broad Street in Westfield and is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Local News Headlines Death investigation at Panera Bread in East Longmeadow Penguin Plunge in Westfield that supports Amelia Park Children’s Museum canceled 10,000 lost power in Franklin County due to issue at substation Suspect arrested for armed robbery at Sam’s Food Store in Sturbridge WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.