Think Minnesota’s frozen lakes are only good for predictable winter activities, like ice-fishing and ice-skating? Not so! The namesakes of our license plates’ motto are also the notorious sites of the Polar Bear Plunge, an annual event that raises funds for Special Olympics Minnesota. Presented by Minnesota Law Enforcement, the creative and colorful fundraiser (most participants wear costumes) has grown to 14 different plunges across the state.
If you still want to support the cause but are less-than thrilled by the idea of dunking into water cold enough to make Paul Bunyan cry, consider sponsoring a plunger—all proceeds are donated Special Olympics athletes.
A party kicking off this weekend’s White Bear Lake and Willmar/Spicer plunges will take place at Jimmy’s Food and Drink in Vadnais Heights tonight. Head out and celebrate the most frigid fun you can possibly have this winter.
Thursday, January 27, 5 – 9 p.m.
Jimmy’s Food and Drink, 1132 E. County Rd. E, Vadnais Heights, 651-482-1100
plungemn.org
2011 Plunge Dates and Sites
Saturday, January 29
White Bear Lake County Park, 5050 Lake Ave. N., White Bear Lake
Melvin’s on the Lake, 159 Lake Ave. S., Spicer
Saturday, February 5
Weaver Lake, 8401 Dunkirk Ln. N., Maple Grove
Saturday, February 12
Foster Arend Park, 4109 E. River Rd. NE, Rochester
Hallett’s Pond, 405 W. St. Julien St., St. Peter
Thursday, February 17
Captain Jack’s on Prior Lake, 3950 Green Heights Trail SW, Prior Lake
Saturday, February 19
Lakeside at Canal Park, Canal Park Dr., Duluth
400 Supper Club, 25958 Lake Rd., St. Cloud
Saturday, February 26
Crystal Beach, 1100 Crystal Lake Rd. E., Burnsville
Sunday, February 27
Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center, 2100 Arrowwood Ln. NW, Alexandria
Saturday, March 5
Thomas Beach, Lake Calhoun, Thomas Ave. S. and W. Calhoun Pkwy., Mpls. (also includes the Dash & Splash 5K)
Saturday, March 12
Round Lake Park,16691 Valley View Rd., Eden Prairie
Sugar Lake Lodge, 37584 Otis Ln., Grand Rapids
