Take the Polar Plunge in Fox Lake
The Fox Lake Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge is back again this weekend, raising money for the Special Olympics. Participants dressed in various costumes will make a big splash in the icy waters of Lake Michigan, all in the name of charity. Fox Lake's Special Events Coordinator Nancy Rogers tells us what you need to know.
Q. How long has this event been in existence? How has it changed, and what is new this year? A. This is the fourth year. There are always new plungers from throughout Lake County and different costumes.Q. What's the highlight of the event? What makes it different from other similar events? A. I would say the creativity of the participants' costumes. And of course, jumping in the ice cold water.Q. What kinds of food and beverages will be for sale? A. Local restaurants supply hot soup and chili for the participants and hot chocolate and coffee will be provided. Lunch is free for all plungers and $5 for non-plungers.Q. Tell us about the volunteers and organizers who pull this together. Are there any sponsors? If so, please tell us about them. A. This is organized by the Special Olympics of Illinois The volunteers are village employees and residents. The Fox Lake Police Association is one of the sponsors. Lt. Jeff Norris helped bring this event to our area. He had previously donated his time to the plunge in Lake Bluff. He is very active with the Special Olympics. The Daily Herald and Comcast SportsNet also are sponsors. GEICO is the major sponsor for all the polar plunges in Illinois.Q. How much does it cost to get in? If the admission costs benefit a charity, please tell us about that group. A. Participants raise at least $75 in donations in exchange for jumping into icy water in the middle of winter. All proceeds collected by plungers benefit Special Olympics Illinois athletes.Q. Is there anything else we should know? A. All plungers are encouraged to register online. Simply visit plungeillinois.com to register and begin fundraising online.True19321314John Olson of Chicago picks up his lost shoe as he takes the plunge for the second time during the annual Polar Plunge at Lake Front Park in Fox Lake.Mark Black | Staff Photographer, 2008True <p class="factboxheadblack">If you go</p><p class="News"><b>What:</b> Fox Lake Law Enforcement Torch Run's 4th annual Polar Plunge</p><p class="News"><b>When:</b> Registration begins at 11 a.m., plunge at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 28</p><p class="News"><b>Where: </b>Lake Front Park, Fox Lake</p><p class="News"><b>More info:</b> <a href="http://foxlake.org" target="new">foxlake.org</a>, <a href="http://soill.org" target="new">soill.org</a></p>