OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Friday night was a very cold night in Oshkosh. But with temperatures in the single digits, there was a crowd that turned out to begin Oshkosh’s Polar Plunge this weekend.
The event at Menominee Park on the shores of Lake Winnebago encouraged participants to wear swimming gear and jump into the icy water.
The event benefits Special Olympics Wisconsin, and is one of 12 Polar Plunges that happen statewide.
However, Friday’s event, “Toss Your Boss, Toss Your Teacher, Plunge Your Principal and Law Enforcement Plunges,” encouraged people to raise money to have their bosses, teachers, principals and law enforcement officers jump in.
One of the participants says that the weather was fantastic, despite the air being so cold.
Don Benson, a sergeant with the Oshkosh Correctional Institution, said “The weather is beautiful. It’s perfect for plunging in the ice, because there’s plenty of ice out there.”
Benson adds, “It’s cold. But you jump in the water, the water’s warmer than the air, the water’s great, so jump on in and enjoy it.”
Friday’s night event was the first part of events that will continue Saturday.
It starts with the Freezin’ for a Reason 5K at 9 a.m., followed by the main plunge at noon.
