WHAT: 28th Annual Polar Plunge
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023
WHERE: The Grand Glaize Beach at Lake of the Ozarks State Park in Osage Beach
LAKE OF THE OZARKS, MO – Hundreds of warm-hearted individuals will brave the chilly waters of Lake of the Ozarks to raise money for Special Olympics Missouri during the 28th Annual Lake of the Ozarks Polar Plunge, Saturday, Feb. 25.
For most of the year, the Grand Glaize Beach in Lake of the Ozarks State Park is a hotbed of activity with many anglers and vacationers taking advantage of the marina for their water recreation. But, typically, in the heart of Missouri’s winter, one wouldn’t expect to see anything other than fish and waterfowl in the water. Unless, of course, it’s time for the annual Lake of the Ozarks Polar Plunge.
The “granddaddy” of Missouri’s Polar Plunge events, this fun and entertaining winter outing, draws around 300 costume-clad participants and up to a thousand spectators each year. The events help raise funds for Special Olympics Missouri’s year-around program for sports training and competition for 15,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Last year’s Lake of the Ozarks Polar Plunge activities raised over $9,260 for Special Olympics Missouri.
Activities on Saturday begin with registration running from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. with the annual Polar Bear Strut 5K walk/run taking place at 10 a.m. Afterward, there will be a chili cook-off at 11 a.m. followed by the Pee Wee Plunge (kids 9 years and younger) at 1 p.m.
The main event gets started with an entertaining “plungers” costume parade at 2 p.m. Following the parade, all the “plungers” run, walk or crawl into the chilly water at 2:30 p.m.
For more information on all the Polar Plunge activities at the Lake of the Ozarks, or for details on how to participate, volunteer or make donations, visit Special Olympics Missouri’s website at www.somo.org.
Additional winter events, as well as year around attractions and information on all lodging and dining options available at the Lake, can be found on the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau‘s award-winning website, www.FunLake.com, or by calling 1-800-FUN-LAKE (386-5253).
