Whitewater’s annual Freeze Fest supports Special Olympics, local seniors
Whitewater’s annual Freeze Fest will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at Cravath Lake Park, 341 S. Fremonth St.
The celebration of all things cold will have the annual Polar Plunge, a chili cook off and other winter-related activities.
“The Polar Plunge is a unique way to give back to your community,” Brittany Neukirchen, regional director of development for Special Olympics said. “It’s a fun experience that offers so much more than jumping into icy water; there’s something for everyone.”
Last year, 275 brave souls took the Polar Plunge in Whitewater to help raise more than $62,000 for Special Olympics Wisconsin. The Polar Plunge benefits more than 10,000 Special Olympics Wisconsin athletes across the state who compete and train year-round in 17 different sports.
The plunge at Freeze Fest happens rain, sleet, snow or shine, according to organizers. However, if temperatures reach dangerous lows, the event is modified for safety. There are also law enforcement and fire department volunteers in wet suits in the water with the plungers to keep everyone safe while participating.
Every participant raises a minimum of $75 in order to plunge on event day. Participants receive a long-sleeve event T-shirt and the chance at more prized the more they earn for Special Olympics.
Registration starts at 10 a.m. on the day of the event, the opening ceremony and plunging time slots beginning at noon.
When checking in for the Polar Plunge participants must bring the following items:
- Registration form (if they did not register online);
- Signed waiver;
- Cash and check donations (each team member must have raised a minimum of $75); and
- Any corporate matching gift forms to receive a free Polar Plunge stocking hat.
There will be an early check-in from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday at Whitewater City Hall, 312 W. Whitewater St. Only one team member needs to attend early check-in, but they must bring all of the items listed above for each team member.
There are many ways to plunge, they include:
- Plunge Solo – Plunge with family, friends or co-workers, $75 per person;
- Toss Your Boss/Teacher – Up to 12 individuals can plunge alongside their boss, teacher or principal for $1,000;
- Super Plunge – Plunge not once, not twice, but up to five times on Plunge Day, $1,000 per person or $1,500 for two plungers;
- Pee Wee Plunger – For the kiddos, $50 per child;
- Cool Schools – Open to K-12 schools and students and teams of all sizes. Raise more than $2,500 as a team and win a $50 Target gift card, basket of Polar Plunge incentives, or a pizza party.
The Polar Plunge will take place in 14 cities across Wisconsin this year. Donations provide year-round programming in sports, health, education and community building to change the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Too chicken?
Can’t stand the cold? No problem, register as a Too Chicken to Plunge or as a Frozen Fundraiser.
Both Chickens and Frozen Fundraisers can raise pledges, earn incentives and still be part of the fun while helping out the Special Olympics.
“You can check out the Freeze Fest, volunteer or raise money for Special Olympics Wisconsin and stay dry by becoming a Frozen Fundraiser,” Neukirchen said.
The top Too Chicken to Plunge fundraiser and top Frozen Fundraiser will win prize packages that is all things warm – a Polar Plunge blanket, a Dunkin’ Donuts gift card for piping hot coffee and a Buffalo Wild Wings gift card for some hot wings or other goodies (at select locations).
For more information on how to participate in the Polar Plunge or to register as a plunger, visit polarplungewi.org.
Chili cook off
Visitors are encouraged to stop by the warming tent at Freeze Fest between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. for a hot bowl of chili.
For $5 guests can sample the contestants chili including: Mean Beans, Joe’s Chili, B & B Vet’s Chili, “Far North” of the Border Chili, Rajun Venison Chili and several others.
Polar Plunge mugs will also be available for purchase for $10 and buyers keep the mug. Funds raised will support Special Olympics and the Whitewater Seniors in the Park program.
For more information on the chili cook-off, call Deb at (262) 473-0535 or email dwberpal@whitewater-wi.gov.
