Take The Plunge This Weekend in Medicine Park

The usually intimidating thought of taking a dive into Medicine Creek during the first week of February isn't as daunting this year, but the 18th annual Medicine Park Polar Plunge is set to go off once again this Saturday.

And while the temperatures this weekend may not hold the same daredevil excitement as in the past, plungers are encouraged to come out to Medicine Park's Park Tavern, where a parade will kick off the celebration, heading down to Bath Island at 2 p.m. to kick off the plunge. The parade and the plunge will be led by event mascot Charley Wright, who, as always, will be unmistakable in his Santa Claus bathing suit.

The event was originally the idea of former tavern owner Bill Patty as a way to generate interest in the small, creek-side community during the winter months. While in many years temperatures were in the 25 to 30 degree range, may years the ice on the top of the creek had to be broken for people to dive in. But, the past few years have been almost tropical, with Saturday's temperatures expected in the mid 60's, perfect weather for a little plunge.