Taking A Polar Plunge

Some things are just hard to do in Florida. One of which is a polar plunge. You know jumping into an ice cold lake to raise money for s charity in frigid weather is something you can’t do in Florida. But in Minnesota you can.

Many participants dress in costumes while others wear only their swim suits, but either way they dare the elements and meet the challenge of ice cold water. Adding to the experience is the cold weather with temperatures going even in the below zero range – the key is the willingness to do only what a few will do. Plungers have weathered the cold with the zest found in the Frozen movie song “The cold never bother me anyway”.

For example, the Boys and Girls Club in Detroit Lakes Minnesota is celebrating its 24th Annual Polar Fest Plunge for the Boys & Girls Club of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota! This event is always an exciting one full of chilly cannonballs, wacky costumes and fun for the entire family despite the weather.

Each year, the community organizes a polar plunge event to help raise money for their local youth. The city cuts a hole into the lake, removes about 40 feet by 15 feet of the ice to allow those crazy enough to take a plunge. Most years the ice will be over 3 feet in depth and the community uses them to make a winter display. This year there will also be also a King Isbit’s Royal Courtyard, Palatial Playground,(with more than 1000 blocks of ice), Ice Sculptures and Snow Sculptures. (See http://iceharvestdl.org/2020-mn-snice/)

So what is it like? Well that is hard to say – it is chilling, but rewarding. You dress in a wacky outfit and then in front of friends and family jump into ice water, swim about 30-40 feet and climb out wondering why you did it. But, in your heart you know why and are glad to say you survived again.

This year will mark my 9th year and thankfully I have raised thousands of dollars thanks to companies like Special Application Group, Headquartered in Tampa, and Bestway Supply, together with other individual donors who help make a real difference in a small rural city in Minnesota.

So if you want an experience to add to your bucket list – think about adding a polar plunge!