The idea of dipping into Pelican Lake sounds inviting most days, but when the top layer of ice has to be removed first - not so much.

But 138 people lined up to do just that Saturday afternoon at Breezy Point Resort. It was an event not for the faint of heart. Expectant - sometimes hesitant - faces, before submerging in Pelican Lake emerged from the water stunned and wide-eyed with the shock.
 

Standing between those in the water and the ladder leading to the dock would have been a good way to be trampled.

Crow Wing County Sheriff Eric Klang emerged from a plunge into Pelican Lake Saturday at Breezy Point Resort during the Polar Bear Plunge for Special Olympics. Several volunteers took the icy dip in front of a crowd of bundled spectators. Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls

A single expression was repeated fervently - "Oh, my God."

But in taking to the water - even briefly - they helped raise $38,000 during the Polar Bear Plunge to support Special Olympics Minnesota athletes. It was the first time the event was set in the Brainerd lakes area. It attracted hundreds of spectators and drew residents from area communities, the Twin Cities and even Ames, Iowa.

Brainerd Police Sgt. Terry Crocker and Baxter Police Sgt. Andy Rooney organized the event and were helped by numerous volunteers and Breezy Point Resort. They weren't sure what to expect for a first-time event and were surprised and pleased by the turnout. They hoped to raise $10,000 and have a festive fund-raiser. It appears they succeeded on both counts.

"We more than tripled our expectations," Crocker said.

Michelle Jordan as "Wonder Woman" paraded down the dock Saturday at Breezy Point Resort during the costume contest phase of the Polar Bear Plunge. She won best women's costume. Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls

Crocker said the response from lakes area communities was phenomenal and made for a successful event that is the start of an annual plunge. Crocker was dressed convincingly as Babe the Blue Ox - complete with nose ring - to Rooney's lumberjack attire. Both were shivering in wet clothes on the dock long after spectators found warmer locations.

"I think it went really well," Rooney said, adding they were proud of the volunteers and outpouring from the community.

More than an hour earlier, Jim Woods, Brainerd, sat on a picnic table waiting for the plunge to start. His face was painted red. His body hidden beneath a bobber outfit complete with hook and sinker.

"I don't think there will be another one," he said of the outfit. He was right.

Woods was drawn to the event by the idea of giving back to the community. He said his wife was given a new lease on life after getting a kidney transplant, inspiring him to do something for others.

"It's for a good cause," he said. "Look at it, there are over 100 people plunging. Look at all these people here. You can't ask for better than that. Besides, what else are you going to do in the winter?"

From the back, a tall Tinkerbell looked pretty good. But the bearded face put a little dent in the overall package when Chuck Hanson, Brainerd, turned around.

"I'm in transition," he said. "My wife dressed me. I had no choice in the matter. I'm feeling very feminine right now. My daughter says I have to learn how to sit as a woman."

Hanson's daughter, Bergen, 20, has participated in Special Olympics since she was 10 and Hanson coaches a Special Olympics basketball team. Hanson said Special Olympics has been a good organization to be involved in.

Costumes abounded. Awards were given in three categories. Craig Swenson, Pequot Lakes, won the best men's costume award as an elaborate polar pirate. Michelle Jordan, Breezy Point, won the women's contest as Wonder Woman. A traveling trophy was given to the best team with the caveat that they have to defend the title next year. The winners were the BL Broadcasting Polar Plungers (literally, as they wore traditional bathroom plungers as hats). Of notable mention - the Ironfire Inc. team, which brandished swords, kilts, metal garbage can lids as shields and plenty of blue paint in an homage to "Braveheart."

Ron Hermansen, a Special Olympic athlete and a costume contest judge, was to the point in his description of jumping in a Minnesota lake in March. "Cold," he said. Some plungers plotted to land close to the ladder. Others created cannonball sprays. Many submerged entirely with hats, glasses, flip-flops all coming loose in the effort. Pequot Lakes Fire Department firefighters and the Crow Wing County Dive Rescue Team members manned the 4-foot deep hole in the ice. There was strong support from area law enforcement, including many area city chiefs of police, and fire departments.

After Crow Wing County Sheriff Eric Klang stepped aside in line once, Baxter Police Chief Jim Exsted gave Klang a little push into the water. When the human bobber Woods hit the water, his costume floated nicely. After reaching the dock, Woods described the sensation in one word - "refreshing."

For those who missed their chance to plunge this year, next year awaits.

By RENEE RICHARDSON
Senior Reporter
Brainerd Daily Dispatch