Burnside —
Punxsutawney Phil may have predicted a short winter, but that doesn’t mean a dip in Lake Cumberland right now wouldn’t be downright frigid.
But that doesn’t matter to a dedicated group of fundraisers who plan on taking a dip in hopes of raising money for Special Olympics Kentucky (SOKY).
“The plunge is a truly unique event and includes a fun, festive atmosphere with
food and great prizes,” said Josh Kesler, special events coordinator with SOKY.
The Polar Plunge, now in its tenth year, draws hundreds of people in from Pulaski and surrounding counties to Lee’s Ford Marina, located just off West Ky. 80 in Nancy. Many of them face the often cold weather to cheer on a friend, family member or organization, and then there are the brave souls who actually take the plunge — whether that be in swimsuits or costumes.
Plunge participants solicit donations to support their effort.
Last year, a r 142 “Polar Bears” took the Plunge, raising more than $30,000 to support the efforts of SOKY athletes. Kesler said that all funds raised stay in the state to help the athletes.
On-site registration will be from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. Saturday at the marina, with the opening ceremonies and costume contest sched-uled for 11 a.m.
Participants dress in their most unique costume in hopes of winning prizes.
The plunge officially begins at 11:30 a.m. with the awards ceremony taking place at 1:30 p.m.
Participants can register to as individuals or as part of a team.
The cost to register is $75 for adults and $50 for junior plungers ages 6 to 18. Participants also work to raise money for SOKY in the weeks and days leading up to the Polar Plunge.
For $75, plungers will receive a Polar Plunge T-shirt.
And those non-plungers can participate in the “Too Chicken To Plunge” event and get a “Too Chicken To Plunge” T-shirt. Those particip-ants must raise a minimum of $75, and junior chickens must raise a minimum of $50.
Temperatures are supposed to be around 50 degrees on Saturday. The lake temperature is currently 45.7 degrees.
For more information or to volunteer with SOKY visit kentuckyyplunge.com.
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