Stearns County Polar Plunge in Avon Saturday

(KNSI) – The local Fraternal Order of Police is partnering with the St. Cloud Area Special Olympics for the Polar Plunge this weekend in Avon at Middle Spunk Lake.

Stearns County Sheriff Steve Soyka is busy overseeing preparations as organizers cut a hole in the ice to expose the freezing water Friday. Jumpers will line up beginning at noon Saturday.

Soyka expects comradery to be on full display. “We encourage it to be kind of a team effort. So, we’ve seen sports teams…St John’s football has done it before. Some hockey teams have done it at the high school levels. We’ve also seen large families get together and do it, and almost become kind of a tradition to get together and do that.”

Many will wear jerseys or uniforms, costumes, or other fun colorful and fun outfits as they shiver for a good cause. Soyka has taken the plunge once himself. He wryly admits he prefers being a spectator.

Soyka credits a partnership between the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office, Avon Police, Avon Fire, and Rockville Fire to ensure the event runs smoothly. While some participants are taking the polar plunge for the first time, many have done it before, often working in large groups.

“One of the big co-sponsors in this across the state of Minnesota is quick trip. They traditionally bring out a pretty good sized team of jumpers, which I assume, I’ve never actually asked them where they’re all coming from, but I assume they’re coming from all the different stores around the central Minnesota area. And, so, they’re usually one of our biggest groups.”

The campaign is already above $56,000, or about 80% to its goal. To donate to the plunge, click here. Soyka recommends showing up to offer support, whether you are jumping or not.

There is also the torch run in the summer.

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