By Patricia Hall, FairfaxFamilyFun.com
Jumping into a lake might be a fun idea for some. But how about when that lake is full of icy water? Each winter, some brave souls do actually jump into a bitterly cold waters for a good cause. Some of these folks go “freezin’ for a reason” while others take the plunge — and we don’t mean get married, but take a “polar plunge!” Ready to take a polar dip or polar plunge for a good cause?
These events are not just for silly fun but to raise funds to benefit charities. Some of the at the annual Virginia Polar Dip or who “take the plunge, one of two such events in our area to benefit charities. Local events in 2020 take place in Fairfax, Reston, Woodbridge, and National Harbor between late January and February.
These events entail exactly what their titles imply: participants take a quick jump into a body of frigid water, their bravery rewarded with donations from friends, family and coworkers to a particular charity. In the case of the Virginia Polar Dip, proceeds go to Camp Sunshine at Lake Sebago in Maine, a year-round retreat for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families, while the Northern Virginia Polar Plunge benefits Special Olympics.
The events are also fun-filled, all-ages festivals, with activities and entertainment before and after the plunge and, often times, wacky outfits by participants. They’re also safe events: participants jump into shallow waters and there are always rescue personnel and other first-responsders on hand in case of emergencies. Ready to “take the plunge?” See the links below for information on each event:
Saturday, January 25: Northern Virginia Polar Plunge at Mosaic District, Fairfax, Virginia
Saturday, January 25: Polar Bear Plunge at National Harbor, Oxon Hill, Maryland
Saturday, February 1: Virginia Polar Dip at Lake Anne Plaza, Reston, Virginia
Saturday, February 22: Northern Virginia Polar Plunge at Leesylvania State Park, Woodbridge, VA
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