BEND, OR -- Bend's Polar Plunge is Saturday at Riverbend Park. The chilly fundraiser supports more than 5,000 Special Olympics athletes in various events throughout the year.

Plunge Manager Britt Gamble has a rundown of the day’s events, “The 5 K starts at 10. We do a costume contest for any of the plungers at 10:45. We’ve seen some fun outfits throughout the years. People dress up as their businesses, or with the friends. We’ve had the Titanic, we’ve had some floaties. So, it’s a really fun time to dress up with your friends and family. The new puppy plunge that we’re having this year. Any of those that don’t want to actually get in the water themselves can have their dogs do it for them. All of the dogs will get bandanas and they have the option to plunge in the river or in a kiddie pool. Then opening ceremonies at 11 and then plunge starts right after basically from 11 until 12.”

Participants raise money through donations for their plunge. First Responders and Law Enforcement from Bend, Redmond, Sunriver, Deschutes, and Jefferson County have a friendly competition to see who can raise the most money.

Bend is the first Polar Plunge of the year, then Corvallis and Eugene hold theirs next week. Salem, Medford,and Portland plunge in March.

Registration starts at 9 Saturday morning. Learn more at the Special Olympics Oregon Polar Plunge Website