Pre-registration for 2020 Polar Plunge ends Friday

Published 9:26 pm Tuesday, February 11, 2020

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It’s almost time to take the plunge again.

HYPE and the LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce are prepared to host the HYPE 2020 Polar Plunge on Feb. 29. It’s the second year for the HYPE fundraiser. This year the funds are going to Chattahoochee Riverkeeper and its efforts to clean up West Point Lake, according to HYPE President Anabeth Ivey.

“HYPE is excited to host the second annual Polar Plunge in support of Chattahoochee Riverkeeper and their incredible work in our community,” she said. “We would love to see a strong turnout from West Point Lake lovers of all ages, and we hope to continue growing this fun event for years to come.”

HYPE decided to support Riverkeeper’s efforts to clean up West Point Lake because of the lake’s popularity in the LaGrange, Ivey said.

“Everybody loves to support the West Point Lake clean up, so here is a fun opportunity to come out and raise money in an entertaining way,” she said.

Pre-registration for the plunge ends on Feb. 14, which guarantees an official Polar Plunge beach towel. Pre-registration is $20.

Participants can still register after Friday, up to the day of the event but the towel is not promised, and the cost is $25. Registration, the day of the event, is at 10 a.m. at the beach, and the plunge is at 11 a.m.

This year’s plunge sees a switch-up in the location from Pyne Road Park’s Mega Ramp last year to the Highland Pines Resort and Marina. Safety was one of the main concerns for the change, Ivey said.

“Running into the water instead of jumping makes it safer,” she said. “Jumping off the dock was risky.”

Plus, everybody who signs up for the plunge will get 10 percent off a meal that day at the Sunset Grill.

Back again this year will be the Dash for the Cash contest, sponsored by Results Property Management. The contest will require an additional $20 donation and swimmers will race in the water around markers immediately after the plunge to win $450.

There will also be trophies for best costume, biggest splash and best jump.

This year’s event is also open all ages, Ivey said. She said the beach aspect, which allows competitors to walk into the water instead of jumping from the dock, alleviates some safety concerns.

When everyone arrives on Feb. 19, they must sign a waiver at check-in, wear water shoes, bring a towel, change of clothes and extra shoes. Costumes are not required but are strongly encouraged.