Early interest in ‘Polar Plunge’

For all those willing to jump into the icy waters of Sand Bay on New Year’s Day, the Voyageur Lions’ Club invites you to sign up now for the annual “Polar Plunge.”
Pre-registration ran Saturday at Nirvana on Scott Street, where eight individuals and four groups signed on under the watchful gaze of “Leo the Lion.”

Registration will continue until Jan. 1 at 1 p.m., when the event starts, but those who got a jump on signing up this past weekend were entered into a draw to receive an additional $300 share of the event’s proceeds.
They also were given the chance to win some prizes, too.
The winner of the draw was the Fort Frances Aquanauts Swim Team, solely represented by Jillian Gustafson, though perhaps more members will join her come New Year’s Day.
To win a prize, registrants plunged their fist into a large bucket of icy cold water. Those who fished out a marble were awarded a prize for their display of fearless dedication.
However, that was just the tip of the iceberg for what the “plungers” will face for real on Jan. 1.
As far as prizes for the actual event go, things will be slightly different this year.
While participants in past years were given prizes on a graduated scale depending on how much money they raised, this year all will be receiving a T-shirt for taking part in this worthwhile event.
Last year’s “Polar Plunge” saw 40 participants jump into the lake behind La Place Rendez-Vous. The club has had as many as 50 take the challenge in previous years.
Club member Val Martindale hopes they get even more people to come out this year, stressing the event is open to everyone.
This year’s special guest “plunger” will be Voyageur Lions’ Club district governor Gary Hutchison of Vermilion Bay, who will be jumping in order to raise funds for leadership training workshops for Lions across the district.
Any interested “plungers” are invited to call Jim Martindale at 274-7829 to register, or they can visit the Edward Jones office here to pick up a pledge sheet.