Polar Plunge on Saturday, Feb. 1 – go see it to believe it!

The Polar Plunge – a cold-water dip popular in many parts of the country but the first fundraiser of its kind in Warren County – is scheduled for Saturday, February 1, to the benefit of the Humane Society of Warren County’s shelter animals in Front Royal.

The first tentative toe dip in the almost-freezing water of Culpeper Lake, on the 4-H Center property in Harmony Hollow in southern Warren County, will likely be taken at 12:15 p.m. by Ellen Aders, president of the Humane Society of Warren County (HSWC). Her board of directors has promised to follow her in, followed by a crowd of winter plungers aiming to raise a target of $7,000 for the county’s Julia Wagner Animal Shelter. So far, $5,000 or more has been donated by sponsors of those who have volunteered to take the Polar Plunge.

‘Polar Plunge – brrr, glad they didn’t ask us to do it! But thanks to all of you who do,’ the Wagner Shelter animals may be thinking. Royal Examiner File Photos

The 4-H Center is located at 600 4-H Center Drive south of Front Royal, as noted above in Harmony Hollow off Route 522 South/Remount Road. A “melt down” celebration hosted by ViNoVa restaurant, 124 E. Main Street, will be held from 1 – 3 p.m.

Meghan Bowers, the Julia Wagner Animal Shelter’s executive director, reminds swimmers to bring a change of clothes (duh!), towels and an extra pair of shoes. Shoes must be worn in the water. At the plunge site, there will be hot drinks available in a heated tent where polar plungers must register starting at 11 o’clock. A fashion show is scheduled for 11:45.”Crazy” outfits are encouraged.

Bowers cautioned, “We want people in and out of the water as quickly as possible, with no pushing and dunking allowed.”

Pop-up changing tents will be available, two bathrooms, a fire pit, and, later, at the restaurant, soup and special cocktails will be served.

Bowers addressed participants: “You’ll have memories to last a lifetime and will have done your part to help the shelter provide the most compassionate loving care to the homeless, neglected and abused animals in our community.”

Sponsors include: Cool Techs Heating & Air; City National Bank; Airpac; State Farm Agent Ellen Aders; Culligan, Front Royal; Cavalier Kennels; Lester & Mowery Pharmacy; L&B Portables; and VinoVa Tapas & Wine Bar.

Contact: director@humanesocietywarrencounty.org for further information.