SPICER -- The 179 people who jumped into Green Lake on Saturday in the third annual Polar Bear Plunge raised more than $28,000 for Special Olympics.
Those participating had obtained pledges from sponsors before they jumped through a hole cut in the ice near Saulsbury Beach on the southwest corner of the lake.
According to a news release from the event organizers, the air temperature was 8 degrees at plunge time with a wind chill of 13 below. The water temperature was 33 degrees, and the ice at the plunge site was 15 inches thick.
The "plungers" were brought to a warming tent near the hole in the ice in small groups. After they were introduced by an emcee, they jumped into the water. After their plunge, they were able to run through a hot water shower or jump into a hot tub to warm up.
The annual event is organized by the Willmar Police Department and the Kandiyohi County Sheriff's Office. It is part of the statewide Law Enforcement Torch Run fundraiser. Money raised helps subsidize training expenses, travel and competition expenses and initiative opportunities for Minnesota athletes in Special Olympics.
