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Lexi Coon.
Publix was a sponsor of the plunge and had many participants take to the water. Over 100 participants registered for the 2018 Polar Bear Plunge at Oak Mountain State Park on Jan. 13.
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Lexi Coon.
Dan and Micky Graber keep warm by the fire before the start of the Polar Bear Plunge. Over 100 participants registered for the 2018 Polar Bear Plunge at Oak Mountain State Park on Jan. 13.
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Lexi Coon.
The Wicked Witch of the West hands Dorothy her hair after taking the plunge to raise money for the Special Olympics. Over 100 participants registered for the 2018 Polar Bear Plunge at Oak Mountain State Park on Jan. 13.
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Lexi Coon.
Over 100 participants registered for the 2018 Polar Bear Plunge at Oak Mountain State Park on Jan. 13.
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Lexi Coon.
A Polar Bear Plunge attendee films the costume contest. Over 100 participants registered for the 2018 Polar Bear Plunge at Oak Mountain State Park on Jan. 13.
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Lexi Coon.
Over 100 participants registered for the 2018 Polar Bear Plunge at Oak Mountain State Park on Jan. 13.
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Lexi Coon.
The water temperature came in at 45 degrees for the Polar Bear Plunge, which was still warmer than the 29 degree air temperature. Over 100 participants registered for the 2018 Polar Bear Plunge at Oak Mountain State Park on Jan. 13.
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Lexi Coon.
Bama was up and ready to cheer on participants at the Polar Bear Plunge. Over 100 participants registered for the 2018 Polar Bear Plunge at Oak Mountain State Park on Jan. 13.
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Lexi Coon.
A member of the Pelham dive team high-fives particpants as they pass him during the Polar Bear Plunge. Over 100 participants registered for the 2018 Polar Bear Plunge at Oak Mountain State Park on Jan. 13.
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Lexi Coon.
Eric Myers, far right, is supported by his family Yukika, Ethan, Elijah and Jayla during the Polar Bear Plunge. Over 100 participants registered for the 2018 Polar Bear Plunge at Oak Mountain State Park on Jan. 13.
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Lexi Coon.
Members of the Homewood Police Department took the plunge in their uniforms to raise money for the Special Olympics. Over 100 participants registered for the 2018 Polar Bear Plunge at Oak Mountain State Park on Jan. 13.
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Lexi Coon.
Members of the Hoover Police Department won the costume contest with their take on "The Wizard of Oz" at the Polar Bear Plunge. Over 100 participants registered for the 2018 Polar Bear Plunge at Oak Mountain State Park on Jan. 13.
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Lexi Coon.
Some plunge participants were unable to stand the cold, dipping under the guideline to get back to shore faster. Over 100 participants registered for the 2018 Polar Bear Plunge at Oak Mountain State Park on Jan. 13.
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Lexi Coon.
Plunge participants warm up near the bonfire. Over 100 participants registered for the 2018 Polar Bear Plunge at Oak Mountain State Park on Jan. 13.
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Lexi Coon.
A Polar Bear makes an appearance at the costume contest of the Polar Bear Plunge. Over 100 participants registered for the 2018 Polar Bear Plunge at Oak Mountain State Park on Jan. 13.
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Lexi Coon.
Plunge participants run towards the water. Over 100 participants registered for the 2018 Polar Bear Plunge at Oak Mountain State Park on Jan. 13.
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Lexi Coon.
Guests keep warm by the bonfire before the start of the Polar Bear Plunge. Over 100 participants registered for the 2018 Polar Bear Plunge at Oak Mountain State Park on Jan. 13.
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Lexi Coon.
Over 100 participants registered for the 2018 Polar Bear Plunge at Oak Mountain State Park on Jan. 13.
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Lexi Coon.
Spiderman makes an appearance during the costume contest of the Polar Bear Plunge. Over 100 participants registered for the 2018 Polar Bear Plunge at Oak Mountain State Park on Jan. 13.
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Lexi Coon.
People of all ages took the plunge to raise money for the Special Olympics. Over 100 participants registered for the 2018 Polar Bear Plunge at Oak Mountain State Park on Jan. 13.
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Lexi Coon.
Erik Hudson and Rick Hayes smile in costume before taking the plunge — in their costume. Over 100 participants registered for the 2018 Polar Bear Plunge at Oak Mountain State Park on Jan. 13.
Those participating in the annual Polar Bear Plunge at Oak Mountain State Park just missed the warm weather by one day this year. People who were brave enough to take the plunge were greeted by less-than-balmy 45 degree water and an even colder 29 degree air temperature.
“This is the coldest it’s ever been,” said Ainsley Allison, community relations coordinator for the Pelham Police Department, the event sponsor.
Allison said they typically have about 50 people plunge, but if everyone who registered this year participated, they would see over 100 individuals in the water. Due to the colder weather conditions, organizers also opted to send people to the water in smaller waves.
But just before the main event, local groups took part in a costume contest, featuring a dinosaur, a clown, a dog, Spiderman, Harry Potter and the cast of "The Wizard of Oz." The Hoover Police Department, who dressed as "The Wizard of Oz," won the contest.
In the past, the plunge has raised $12,000 to put towards the Alabama Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, and this year they raised about $13,000. The funds are used to help those with special needs compete in athletic events.
“Special Olympic athletes ... they just want to compete like everybody else,” Allison said.
