Let’s face it, when it comes to plunging into the beautiful pristine waters of Branson’s Table Rock Lake, the middle of February isn’t the time of year that normally comes to mind for most people and especially not during Valentine’s Day Weekend. Yet, with water temperatures in the 40s and the average ambient temperature about 36 degrees, the organizers of Table Rock Lake’s 5th Annual “Polar Bear Plunge” are hoping that about 200 people will do exactly that on February 13.
One of those taking the plunge will be Stephanie Milton, Director of Special Events for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC)and one of the two the co-coordinator of the “BTC’s Polar Bear Plunge Team.” Stephanie, who is not noted for her love of cold weather, said she was taking the plunge because it was “for a great cause, the ‘Special Olympics of Missouri.’” She encourages everyone to come out and support the event, donate what they can and to support the “Special Olympics of Missouri” and its athletes.
A highlight of the event is the costuming that some of the “Polar Bears” wear for the plunge and the competition for the coveted “Golden Plunger Award” awarded for the best costume. The 5th Annual Polar Bear Plunge for the benefit of the “Special Olympics of Missouri.” will be held February 13 at the marina area of the Still Waters Resort, located at 21 Stillwater Trail on Indian Point just past Silver Dollar City. Registration will begin at 12 p.m. with the costume parade at 2:00 p.m. and the plunge at 2:30 p.m. For further information on the Polar Bear Plunge, Branson lodging, and other Branson shows, attractions and events over Valentine’s Day weekend in Branson please call the Branson Tourism Center at 1-800-785-1550.
The other co-coordinator of the “Branson Tourism Center Polar Bear Plunge Team” is Tiffany Combs. She points out that the funds raised help allow the athletes competing in the “Special Olympics of Missouri” to do so on a year round basis. Tiffany said this is the second year that Branson Tourism Center has had a team in the event, that it was the top Team Fundraiser for the 2009 plunge and that this year plans to have more “plungers” than the four they had last year.
She points out that the event will give those participating in it and supporting it a chance to send a very special Valentine to the athletes of the “Special Olympics of Missouri.”
