For 23 years, people have taken the plunge through a hole chainsawed through the ice into the bone-chilling water of Ness Lake.
And it’s all for a good cause.
On Wednesday – New Year’s Day – starting at 1:30 p.m. at Ness Lake Bible Camp, the 24th annual Polar Bear Dip beckons brave souls to go for quick swim top raise money to send kids to the ever-popular summer camp.
It’s a tradition that last year attracted a record 216 dippers – 101 more than ever before – and they raised $27,736, bringing the 23-year Polar Bear Dip total to $218,709.
The cost to enter is $35. The first 75 dippers will get a commemorative t-shirt.
There will be hot chocolate, coffee and cinnamon buns and warming campfire for plungers and spectators.
Cannonball form and whoever makes the biggest splash doesn’t count for anything except entertainment value, but there will be prizes to the three best costumes and for the three dippers who raise the most money.
Organizers recommend everyone bring a bag of dry clothes to change into and two towels, one to dry off and one to stand on. A pair of sandals or crocs will also come in handy to keep your feet from freezing.
Absolutely no diving is allowed.
The predicted high for Wednesday is -12 C, but it should be mostly sunny.
To register, go to the Ness Lake Bible Camp website.
Ness Lake Bible Camp is located 35 kilometres northwest of the city.
