HELEN - Though White County is on pace to record the warmest and wettest December on record, a traditional winter event is on track for New Year's Day.
The annual Polar Bear Plunge at Unicoi State Park in Helen will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Unicoi Beach off Georgia Highway 356.
All participants should arrive by 10:30 a.m. for final registration and a required 10:45 a.m. safety meeting.
Cost is $10 for one person or $25 for a family group.
Registration opens at 9:30 a.m., or pre-registration is available at https://www.regonline.com/annualpolarbearplunge2015.
Each participant will receive a commemorative patch at the event.
The event is sponsored by Friends of Unicoi, who also will be selling hot chocolate and more.
A $5 parking pass is required.
For more information, call the park at (706) 878-2201.
Unicoi State Park is located at 1788 Highway 356, Helen.
19th Annual Polar Bear Plunge on Lanier
GAINESVILLE - In addition to the event at Unicoi, Lanier Canoe & Kayak Club will host its 19th Annual Polar Bear Plunge into Lake Lanier at noon Friday.
The Plunge will take place at the Lanier Canoe & Kayak Club Boathouse Apron behind the boathouse, 3105 Clarks Bridge Road, Gainesville.
The event is open to all ages, but children 12 and under are required to wear the lifejackets provided.
Cost is $30 for one person or $90 for a family of up to four related participants.
Participants can take up to two plunges and then eat a bowl of chili, some desserts and hot drinks to warm back up.
Online registration is available at https://fs17.formsite.com/lckc1/form17/index.html
Online registration closes Dec. 30. On-site registration opens at 10:45 a.m. Friday.
All participants should arrive prior to 11:30 a.m.
Awards will be given for Best Costume, Best Jump, Best Splash, Oldest Polar Bear, and Youngest Polar Bear. Additionally, a Funniest Chicken award will be given for a person not jumping but in costume.
Organizers remind participants to bring a towel, change of clothes and family and friends to cheer them on.
LCKC is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization and utilizes tax-deductible donations to provide recreational and competitive programs for youth and adults. Additional donations to support the Olympic Legacy program are welcome.
