If you have ever thought about jumping in a frozen lake or raising money to help support your local community organizations, you are in luck.
The 14th annual Arctic Plunge will be held in the parking lot of Captain’s on Long Lake on Saturday, March 5. This change for spectators to watch from the parking lot has been made due to poor ice conditions.
Since Herb Knutson became the event’s lone jumper in February 2002, the Arctic Plunge has raised over $350,000 to support local fire departments, law enforcement, senior dining, food shelves and other community organizations.
According to Arctic Plunge board member and 2016 master of ceremonies Jim Lundeen, the groups that will benefit from the event are also helping to run the event. The event is being presented by Killebrew Root Beer.
“These groups will assist with the execution of the event, maintaining a safe and family-friendly atmosphere,” he said. “The final funds are distributed with knowledge of civic need and assistance supplied to maintain the safety and standards of the Arctic Plunge event.”
That “family-friendly atmosphere” is what the event is all about. Even if you are not participating in the event, there is always room for you to join in on the action.
“Many people will come and watch, and then there is an excitement to participate,” Lundeen said. “And there is always the positive feeling that comes with the community participation in fundraising events.”
A pre-party will be held Friday, March 4, at Captain’s on Long Lake. A chili feed will be held from 4-7 p.m. sponsored by Isanti County Beyond the Yellow Ribbon.
Jumpers can also turn in their registration information from 5-7 p.m. The band The Soupbones will perform at 8 p.m. There will also be a drawing for a guest judge.
The plunge takes place at 2 p.m. March 5. The day begins with an old-fashioned ice cutting demonstration by the Englund family at 1 p.m. Slippery Steve and Scary Gary will perform from 4-7 p.m., and the band Pullstart Diesel takes the stage at 8 p.m.
This year’s jump is still scheduled to happen, but it has not been easy to plan so far. Poor ice conditions have caused the event to change locations once, and other last- minute challenges will be addressed throughout the week.
This will not stop Lundeen and his crew from making the event happen.
“We will work to create an enjoyable event for our sponsors, jumpers and the folks in attendance,” he said. “Our goal remains the same — to help our community in a positive way.”
Jumpers are asked to raise a minimum of $100. The jumper fee can be turned in the day of event or during the pre-party on March 4. Captain’s on Long Lake is located at 27821 Bay Shore Drive NW, Isanti.
For more detailed information or to pay the jumper fee online or donate money to a particular jumper, visit www.arcticplunge.com.