What is it: Charity event for the non-profit Child and Youth Advocacy Center (CYAC), Lewisburg. This organization interviews and counsels sexually abused children in Greenbrier, Monroe, and Pocahontas counties.
A Tradition: A Polar Bear “Swim” or “Plunge” is a tradition that goes back more than 100 years. It originated with the Scandinavian sauna tradition as a way to rapidly cool off after the heat of a sauna.
Around the Globe: Russian ice-swimmers are referred to as ‘walruses’ instead of the North American ‘polar bears’.
What’s the objective: Full submersion.
Costumes are optional but preferred: This year, plungers are asked to dress up in their favorite and wackiest costumes to win prizes.
How many people plunge: 103 in 2012.
How many spectators: 800 in 2012.
How cold is the water: 36 degrees.
How much do the Plungers raise? In 2012, polar bear members raised nearly $13,000 for the CYAC.
You can win a T-Shirt! Plungers who raise at least $25 will receive a polar bear T-shirt.
Who is taking the plunge? Among many others, Lewisburg Mayor John Manchester and Greenbrier County Sheriff Jan Cahill.
Is there a mascot? Yes, his name is Icee and kids love him.
Where do the plungers come from? WV, Tennessee, Ohio, Virginia.
When: Saturday, March 9th at 1pm. Where: Blue Bend Recreation Area in the Monongahela National Forest.
Want to Plunge? Contact the CYAC at 304 645 4668
More info: facebook.com/GreenbrierPolarBear

LBSPY 27 (Feb 25-March 11)