Polar Bear Plunge and Winter Fest Set for Saturday in Hartwell

This year’s 28th annual Polar Bear Plunge is coming up on Saturday, March 2 from 11a to 4p at Gum Branch Mega Ramp.

Sponsored by Purina, the Polar Bear Plunge raises money to benefit the Northeast Georgia Council on Domestic Violence.

Board member Melissa Smith says this year’s event will be bigger and better than ever and that calls for a bigger venue at the mega ramp.

New this year, Smith said is something for those who would like to participate but don’t want to go jump in the lake. They can still help raise money by putting on their dancing shoes to perform a Tik-Tok-style Mob dance.

Dancers will form teams of 5-10 or more, name their mob, select a leader and music, plan their costumes, and collaborate on a synchronized dance routine.

Smith said there will also be a bigger and better kids’ play area and more craft vendors.

Additionally, representatives from the Hart County Humane Society will be on hand with a booth selling low-cost spay-neuter certificates.

The women’s shelter has a new kennel area, built by volunteer employees with Puriana, so those fleeing domestic abuse and bring their pets with them.

Humane Society president Donna Madkiff and her group are also asking for donations for the animals staying at the safe house.

Smith said it’s a minimum of $75 to jump in the lake or strut your stuff on the dance floor but you don’t have to come up with the money all at once.

As in past years, Smith encourages participants to tap their friends, coworkers, neighbors, and family to help raise their entry fee for a good cause.

The web address for the Northeast Georgia Council on Domestic Violence where you can register to jump or dance or be a vendor is https://negacdv.org/event/.