On your mark, get set, plunge

One of the biggest fundraisers in the area will cap FLake Festival this Saturday, as the Forest Lake Rotary Club’s Winter Plunge will heat up chilly waters.

The fourth-annual event is expected to bring over 700 brave participants to Lakeside Memorial Park. It may also bring a number approaching $150,000 to the coffers of local organizations.

In 2012, 732 plungers raised over $144,000. As of this Tuesday, 665 people had signed up and monetary pledges were on par with those from the same point a year ago. Plunge co-chair Rob Collins of the Rotary Club expressed optimism, noting that $60,000 of last year’s pledges came in during the final week. With 150 more participants signed up at this point over 2012, the total amount raised may well swell to a record level.

Potential plungers with cold feet can register right up through the morning of the event, Collins said. Registration runs from 6-8 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday at Vannelli’s by the Lake. The plunging will take place from noon to 3 p.m. Those as young as 10 can plunge if a parent is present, but all plungers must raise a minimum of $75.

Registration questions can be directed to Collins at 651-815-9281, co-chair Blake Roberts at 651-755-6400 or flrotary@gmail.com.