BIG BEAR LAKE, in March, can be cold. Quite cold, in fact, the sort of throw-on-another-few-layers kind of cold, a chilliness that can icily suggest that the area is somewhere much further north than a spot that isn't,

Many people don’t know that doing small things like jumping into a freezing cold lake can mean so much for another person.”

Individuals looking to raise money for their favorite non-profit can splash for cold, hard cash at the 56th annual Olcott Polar Bear Swim on Sunday. The Olcott Lions Club now invites non-profits to register with them so their supporters can collect peer-to-peer pledges when they go jump in the lake.

Participants dressed up in a variety of costumes — including a polar bear, jellyfish, hot dogs and Guess Who board game characters — in an effort that raised at least $40,000. Before the plunge, park workers helped lead the group in a costume contest in three categories.

DeSales University student Justin Rice takes the plunge Tuesday, March 4, 2025, during a Special Olympics Polar Plunge hosted by DeSales University in Upper Saucon Township. All proceeds benefit Special Olympics Pennsylvania and the Special Olympics Pennsylvania Eastern Fall Sectional,

Polar Plunge Chicago, benefiting Special Olympics Illinois and Special Children’s Charities, took place Sunday, March 2, 2025, at North Avenue Beach. Over 4,000 people jumped into

There isn’t anything quite like a dip into the frigid waters of the Atlantic Ocean on a winter afternoon and thousands of people came out again to do just that for this year’s Polar Bear Plunge at Seaside Heights presented by New Jersey Law Enforcement.

Sartell Mayor Ryan Fitzthum takes the plunge for a good cause Feb. 24 at Minnie Lake in Avon. The event, sponsored by the Celebration Lutheran Church congregation, raised more than $5,000 to send youth and children to summer camp.

Hanover saw 37 more inches of snowfall this February than last year — allowing students to enjoy safer and “generally better” winter activities.

Lockport resident Jennifer Touchine is gearing up to take a frigid plunge in support of local efforts to revive a turtle-shaped building in downtown. Touchine will participate in Sunday’s Olcott Polar Bear Swim,