SO MANY POLAR PLUNGES... recommend donning not just a swimsuit, but, if you can, and feel like it, a full-on costume, one that aptly captures the emotion of running into a cold body of water for a good cause. Many plungers decide to stick with trunks or a tankini, preferring to go the traditional route, but some hearty souls prepare a memorable get-up, both to get into the fun spirit of the day and to raise further awareness for the cause in question. And, for sure, a pair of wearable ice cubes is right on the merry money.
THAT'S ONE SARTORIAL SIGHT... that's been seen at the annual Polar Plunge at Big Bear Lake, though participants have gone with an array of wacky get-ups over the years. Whatever you decide to wear, or if you simply want to donate or raise funds while cheering on from the shore or afar, that is cool, too. Even cooler? Special Olympics Inland Empire is the event's beneficiary, meaning the money you raise by taking the teeth-chattery, brrr-ful dip will help the fantastic organization. Now, let's talk dates. Is the run into Big Bear Lake in the summer, or even the spring? Au contraire. It is not. It is, however, on the...
FIRST SATURDAY IN MARCH, which sounds kind of warm-ish. But, remember, it is still wintertime up the mountain, and everywhere in the Northern Hemisphere, so it'll be plenty polar. It's fifty bucks to join in, everything revs up at 10 o'clock in the morning — not yet the height of the warm afternoon, nope — and you don't have to go in all the way if you don't want (though you can). Do note, though, that the plunge will come after the opening ceremony, which is slated for 11:45, so perhaps it'll be a tad toastier close to noon? Maybe? And the very best part of the happening, which is marking its 6th annual outing in 2017? Your fundraising helps to "...provide year-round training and sports programs for children and adults with intellectual disabilities in the Inland Empire Region." Sign up now to take the icy plunge, to cheer on the plungers, and to give your heartfelt backing to Special Olympics.
