Polar Plunge Saturday at Lake Kohlmier in Owatonna

For the first time the Polar Plunge is coming to Owatonna. Saturday at 1 p.m. more than 150 plungers will jump into Lake Kohlmier to benefit Special Olympics Minnesota.

What began as a single event at Como Lake in St. Paul has grown to 20 plunges across Minnesota, with the first three on Saturday. The money raised benefits more than 8,000 Special Olympics athletes across the state.

On-site registration and sign-up is 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Opening ceremonies take place at 1 p.m. There also will be a check presentation to the Owatonna Area Special Olympics team at 12:15 from the Owatonna Knights of Columbus from their Smokin in Steele BBQ competition last May.

It's not too late to participate. Go to www.plungemn.org or sign-up Saturday at Lake Kohlmier. You can plunge as an individual or as part of a team. Participants are encouraged to wear unique and outrageous costumes on Plunge day. You can also pledge someone who is plunging. Or just come to cheer them on.