Whitewater’s Freeze Fest set for Feb. 14
On Saturday, Feb. 14, Freeze Fest – featuring the Special Olympics Polar Plunge – will take place at Cravath Lakefront Park in Whitewater.
The annual Freeze Fest event brings the community and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater together in support of a good cause, Special Olympics.
The schedule of events is as follows:
10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Mini Maker Faire (in the Cravath Lakefront building) will offer hands-on learning projects featuring science and technology. All ages are welcome. Sponsored by the Whitewater Makerspace and Innovation Center.
11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Snow dogs presentation at Irvin L. Young Memorial Library. Meet and learn about snow dogs and perhaps take a ride in a dog sled. Sponsored by the library.
11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Horse drawn wagon rides (starting at Cravath Lakefront Park) will feature traditional wagon rides on a downtown tour. The wagon will stop downtown to allow passengers opportunity to take advantage of special Freeze Fest store sales going on throughout the day. Sponsored by the Whitewater Chamber of Commerce.
11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Chili cook-off (in the Cravath Lakefront Park tent.) Enter a recipe or just stop in and try each entry to vote on People’s Choice. See registration details on page 1.
Noon, Polar Plunge Opening Ceremony (at Cravath Lakefront Park) will feature Special Olympic athletes welcoming attendees to the Polar Plunge event. See details below about participating in the Polar Plunge.
12:30 to 2:30 p.m., Potty Run (at Cravath Lakefront Park) will feature teams racing in an attempt to pull their potty to victory. The potties will be provided. Sponsored by Downtown Whitewater, Inc.
Take the plunge
If past years events are any indication, thousands of winter warriors from across the state will plunge into icy water to raise funds for Special Olympics Wisconsin athletes in the coming weeks including Cravath Park in Whitewater Saturday, Feb. 14.
Participants only need to raise $75 to experience this thrilling event. Plungers who raise the minimum will receive an official Polar Plunge long-sleeve shirt. Those raising more will earn additional incentives such as towels, sweatshirts and jackets.
“The Polar Plunge is something every Wisconsin resident should have on their bucket list this winter,” Brittany Neukirchen, Special Olympics Wisconsin’s Regional Director of Development said. “When you’re about to jump into the icy water, it’s such an adrenaline rush and it’s a great feeling to know you’ve made a difference.”
Individuals who want to stay on dry land, but still support the cause can sign up for “Too Chicken To Plunge.”
In honor of Valentines Day, the Whitewater Polar Plunge will give couples who raise more than $250 collectively a special shirt.
For more information or to register visit PlungeWI.org or www.specialolympicswisconsin.org.
