Weekend Polar Plunge may not be icy, but dozens expected to participate
Published 12:05 am Tuesday, March 10, 2015
- Participants take the Polar Plunge in 2014. Submitted photo
The weather won’t be particularly nippy, but it’s all for a good cause to take a plunge in the water at this year’s second annual Polar Plunge. The proceeds raised benefit the Special Olympics of Rowan County.
This year, the event will be held Saturday at the Elks River Park on Long Ferry Road starting at noon. The Elks River Park is located at the end of Long Ferry Road, off Interstate 85 exit 81.
Organizer Jay Taylor said as of Monday, this weekend’s weather is expected to be around 61 or 62 degrees with possible rain. He said there is a covered pavilion for spectators.
The event is free to the public, but participants pay $25 each to take the plunge. Participants may jump as an individual or as a team. Taylor said the goal is to raise $5,000 this year for Special Olympics.
The event will begin at noon and go until 3 p.m. The actual plunge happens at 1 p.m. for adults and 1:15 p.m. for children.
There will be food, a deejay, a bonfire and giveaways. About 15 to 20 area businesses have donated gift cards and other offers as part of the giveaway.
Taylor has a team of 25 taking the plunge this year, and he said there are teams expected from two churches — Sacred Heart Catholic and First Baptist. He expects about 40 people to take the plunge.
There are plans to continue the plunge every year, he said, and make it bigger and bigger.
