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Every year, Cake Plus-size Resale, a second-hand store in Minneapolis catered towards plus-size folks, hosts “a fat pool party by and for fat folks.” This year, they’re hosting four. 

“It’s the biggest we’ve ever done,” said Cat Polivoda, the founder of Cake Plus-size Resale. 

Pool parties for plus-size people have been happening across the country, but when Polivoda didn’t see many in Minnesota, she created her own in 2018.  

“Being at the pool has been a really tough space for folks sometimes living in larger bodies, feeling stared at or … inferior because of their size,” said the St. Paul resident. “We wanted to reclaim a pool setting and allow for a space that feels as safe as possible and is affirming and focus on fat joy and plus size folks being together in community.” 

The first event was in the backyard pool of a rented Airbnb, but since then, demand for Fat Splash has grown so much that this year, Polivoda has rented out an entire aquatic park at two separate locations. Two of the events are at the St. Louis Park Aquatic Park and another two are at the Bloomington Family Aquatic Center.  

The ticketed event includes music, vendors and photographers, but Polivoda said that the signature event is the Cannonball Contest, where participants jump into the pool and the person who makes the biggest splash wins. 

“Our event’s called the Fat Splash, what makes a bigger splash than being a big person jumping off the diving board?” Polivoda said. “Those moments have just felt really affirming and special.” 

Accessibility is also a key part of the event. Polivoda said due to support from sponsors and eventgoers who donate money to “pay it forward,” those unable to attend can reach out to Cake Plus-size Resale for discounted or free tickets. 

“As a shop owner and a member of [the] local fat community, it feels so wonderful to get to reconnect with folks that I have seen throughout the years,” she said. “This aligns so much with ... what I feel is my life work.” 

Fat Splash has already hosted its first event of the year, which was the first ever Fat Splash for all ages. The next three splashes are July 12, July 20 and Aug. 2. 

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Anita Li

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This is the fifth year Cake Plus-size Resale has hosted Fat Splash, which aims to reclaim the pool as a positive and affirming space.

A pool party ‘by and for fat folks’ is making waves in the Twin Cities

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