Pie-Eyed Petey's Plans Annual Polar Bear PlungeLEESBURG - However cold the weather Jan. 15, there will be people jumping into Tippecanoe Lake in their swimsuits.
Sign-up for Pie-Eyed Petey's Second Annual Polar Bear Plunge is 9 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Jan. 15, with plunges beginning at 1 p.m.
The first 100 people to sign up will receive a free t-shirt.
New this year will be trophies for the most unusual outfit. There will be a men's and a women's category.
Women will take the first plunges, with men taking the second dips into Tippecanoe Lake.
Like the 2010 Plunge, the event supports the North Webster Food Pantry.
Pie-Eyed Petey's is owned by Roy and Barb Hamer.
Barb said the food pantry, like all the food pantries, have been hit hard in these stressful economic times. People tend to help the food pantries during the holidays, but after the holidays, there are still people who need assistance. No one should ever have to go hungry, she said.
Thanks to the community and business leaders in Kosciusko County, the county has been fortunate to have a lower unemployment rate, she said.
"We're here to give a little more even after the holiday season, and have a great time at the lake," Barb said.
Even if people don't want to jump in the cold waters, she said, they can come and enjoy the festivities.
"It should be even better this year now that people know they can win a trophy," Barb said.
Last year, 80 people jumped into the frigid waters, she said, with more than 300 people attending the event.
Roy said around $2,000 plus food items items were raised in 2010. They had a U-Haul truck full of food.
For the 2011 event, Barb said, they are asking everyone who comes through the gate to bring a monetary or non-perishable food item for the food pantry.
Petey's will serve pancakes, sausage and coffee for breakfast for $6 until supplies run out. There will be limited slices of pizza for $3.50 per slice. Part of the proceeds also go to the food pantry.
The regular menu starts at 4 p.m.
Barb said people do need to bring a change of clothing if they plan to take the plunge. They also should have a pair of old shoes or swim socks to go into the water. A warm place will be available for plungers to change clothes.
Barb said they will open the tiki bar outside for the Polar Bear Plunge.
Karaoke starts after 8 p.m.
On hand for the Plunge will be members of the North Webster EMS, the Kosciusko County Dive Team, Kosciusko County Sheriff's Dept. and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, she said.
Eastlund Funeral Home will provide a limousine shuttle service from the overflow parking lot to Pie-Eyed Petey's.
In advance of the event, Barb thanked all the volunteers who will be taking time out of their busy lives to help out with the Plunge. She also thanked American Legion Post 253, North Webster, for loaning some kitchen equipment for the day, and Nelson Beverage for their assistance.
Pie-Eyed Petey's is at 70 EMS T16 Lane, Leesburg. Take Armstrong Road, then a left on CR 450E.
