The Free Press, Mankato, MN

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  • Members of the North Mankato Fire Department emerge from the chilly waters of Hallett's Pond in St. Peter during Saturday's Polar Plunge. Pat Christman

    Polar Plunge1.jpg

  • Local police officers and sheriff's deputies, including Nicollet County Sheriff Dave Lange (in white) get the crowd fired up before jumping into Hallett's Pond during Saturday's Polar Plunge. Pat Christman

    Polar Plunge2.jpg

  • Spectators brave the cold to watch people jump into Hallett's Pond during Saturday's Polar Plunge in St. Peter. Pat Christman

    Polar Plunge3.jpg

  • The team Walsh's Warriors leaps into Hallett's Pond during Saturday's Polar Plunge. Pat Christman

    Polar Plunge4.jpg

February 2, 2013

Polar Plunge provides shock and awe

By Pat Christman The Free Press

ST PETER — The anticipation participants felt as they stood at the edge of the hole cut in the ice on Hallett’s Pond in St. Peter before leaping into the icy water could have been as bad as the dunk itself.

The moment of discomfort was a small price to pay for most participants as they took part in Saturday’s Polar Plunge, the annual fundraiser for Special Olympics that necessitates a bath in Hallett’s Pond, whether you need it or not.

More than 500 people jumped into the 5-foot-deep water Saturday, most swiftly emerging from the water mouths open in a silent (or not so silent) scream of shock as they headed for a hot tub to restore feeling to their extremities. More than $57,000 was raised for Special Olympics during the event, put on by local law enforcement and Special Olympics Minnesota.

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