(MyBayCity Photos By Julie McCallum)

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A Perfect Saturday For A Polar Bear Plunge
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Annual Event Benefiting Special Olympics

February 22, 2009
By: Julie McCallum, Entertainment Editor

A snowy afternoon fit the scene for Saturday, (February 21, 2009) afternoon for the annual Polar Bear Plunge benefiting the Special Olympics of Michigan.

Damon's Grill at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel hosted the registrations and awards and post-plunge party for the event.

Thirty-eight (38) brave souls plunged in freezing cold water (33 degrees) at William H. Haithco Recreation Area in Saginaw Township.

This event supports the year-round athletic training of more than 16,000 athletes across the state.

Plunges are held all around the state on this annual event day including, Saginaw, Gaylord, Mt. Pleasant, Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Alpena.

Approximately $78,000 was raised (combined) at Saginaw, Detroit, Mt. Pleasant and Gaylord. Other city totals were not available at press time.



The Mitchell "Great Lakes Loons" Bus transported the plungers from Damon's to Haithco Ice hole. And as you can see the weather was befitting the scene.





(Above) Costumes are traditional at the annual event and as you can see in these pictures, many participates were very clever and creative.



(Above Left) Volunteer Barb sells 50-50 tickets, t-shirts, mugs, and towels. (Above Right) For those who were to 'chicken' to make the jump, this t-shirt was appropriate.



(Above) The participates parade out of the conference room and head for the bus to travel out to take their plunge.



(Above) When asked if they were nervous, she said, "No, I did this last year." He commented "Well I DIDN'T and I'm FREAKIN' OUT!" (LAFF)



(Above) The crowd endured the cold temperatures as they watched just outside the ice hole.



(Above) Team Z-93 consider their options seconds before they take the plunge.


The Setting for the day . . . Snowy and water temperature 33 degrees on Saturday, Polar Bear Plunge 2009, Outcome = Successful!





A participant on the bus ride back shows the TriCityBuzz (Television) Business Card that took the plunge with him . . . and also survived . . . barely!



Tri City Buzz TV interviews Joe and the Poor Boy from Z-93 before the plunge. This was Joe Volk's first time at the plunge and he was a little hesitant.

Look for upcoming coverage of this segment on Tri City Buzz TV airing on Saturday, February 28, 2009. (MyBayCity Photo)