Hundreds to take the plunge for Special Olympics
By Vanessa Lenz
SLN Staff
Warmed by their giving spirits, more than 250 brave souls will plunge into icy waters on Saturday for a cause during for the city’s 2013 Freeze Fest.
Amidst the backdrop of snow and ice, Whitewater has slated a full day of winter festivities on Feb. 16 at Cravath Lakefront Park, 341 S. Fremont St. The event is put on by the City of Whitewater, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and Special Olympics.
“Attendees can expect something for everyone. We will have a nature program for the entire family, horse drawn wagon rides around town, police vehicles for exploration, chili cook off participants ready to hand out tastings, and the main event of courageous plungers ready to be Freezin’ for a Reason,” said Michelle Dujardin, recreation and events programmer for the city Parks and Recreation Department.
The Polar Plunge, the cornerstone of Freeze Fest, will kick off at noon with registration taking place from 10-1:30 p.m. in City Hall, located at 312 W. Whitewater St.
At press deadline, Dujardin said 253 jumpers have agreed to participate in the fundraiser, which benefits Special Olympics. Last year, 349 participants raised $55,520.44, and Dujardin said she hopes to do the same this year.
Money pledged during the Polar Plunge will support the nearly 1,500 athletes who take part in training and competition programs offered by the local Special Olympics chapter.
In addition to raising funds for Special Olympics, so-called plungers will have an opportunity to compete for prizes in a number of categories, including best costume, best entrance into the water and most money raised.
Individuals too scared to brave the icy dive can register as a “chicken.”
“Raise pledges, get your chicken shirt and incentives (and a special prize), then enjoy preferred plunge viewing in the chicken coop,” said Dujardin.
Activities at Cravath Lakefront Park begin at 11 a.m. The park will be home to heated tents, chicken bowling, a chili cook-off, concessions and family entertainment.
“I’m personally excited to see the entire event come together and watch the enjoyment of the participants. The volunteer Freeze Fest Committee is amazing and works hard to bring everything together,” said Dujardin.
Freeze Fest 2013 schedule
• 9-11 a.m., Family Arts and Crafts at Studio 84
• 9 a.m. -5 pm., Store Savings throughout Whitewater
• 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Open Skate at Big Brick Park
• 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Snow Dogs Presentation at Irvin L Young Library
• 11 a.m.-noon, animals in the Winter Family Program presented by UW-Madison Arboretum at Cravath Lakefront Building
• 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Too Chicken to Plunge Games at Cravath Lakefront
• 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Touch A Truck at Cravath Lakefront Park
• 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Horse Drawn Wagon Rides starting at Cravath Park
• Noon, Polar Plunge Kick-off at Cravath Lakefront Park
• Noon- 3 p.m., Chili Cook-off at Cravath Lakefront Park
• 1- 3 p.m., W3 Snowshoe demonstration at Cravath Lakefront
For more information, contact Dujardin at (262) 473-0121 or mdujardin@whitewater-wi.gov. Visit www.whitewater-wi.gov for additional event details.
