EURE – The calendar may denote it’s January, but that isn’t stopping a local group from conducting a water-related outdoor activity.

Gates County Special Olympics and Project Unify are sponsoring Gates County’s first ever Polar Plunge at Beaver Lake near Eure (off US 13/158) on Jan. 28. Registration begins at 10 a.m. Free hot chocolate and coffee will be served during registration (through 11:30 a.m.). Opening ceremonies will be held at 11:30 a.m. with the plunge at 12 noon.

Plungers are asked to sign a waiver, raise a minimum of $35 and be ready to have some fun!

“This is not just about the schools or just our Special Olympics program, this is for the entire community and surrounding counties,” said Barbara Toti, one of the event’s organizers.

Awards will be given to the teams taking part in the plunge judged with the best themes.

Not interested in the chilly challenge? Local chefs are asked to donate 15 servings of their best recipe of chili for the first annual chili-cookoff.  Winners will receive lots of adulation, a traveling spoon award and undying gratitude.

The end result of the Chili Challenge will be served to each Polar Plunge participant in an effort to warm their hearty souls after taking their icy dip into Beaver Lake. The remainder will be sold for $5 per bowl (complete with fixings) to benefit Special Olympics, or you may choose to make a $10 donation to sample all the different chili made for the event. Hotdogs will also be offered for sale.

An event goal of $9,000 was set at the beginning of the year and thanks to the first annual walk, TREAD

THE MILL and some generous walkers and sponsors, organizers are half way to the goal. Help Gates County Special Olympics reach their goal.  All funds raised will remain in Gates County for local athletes.

“We hope you will join us for a chilly plunge and then warm up with a hot bowl of chili,” Toti said. “We’re looking for everyone to come out and join us for a family fun event. You can dip your big toe in the water or decide to go in deeper…that’s up to the individual participant.”

For more information, contact Toti at 357-0720 or totibb@gatescountyschools.net. Registration will be open from now until the event, however to be sure to get a T-shirt that day be sure to register by Jan. 18.