OGDENSBURG – The Polar Bear Plunge, River Shiver’s most popular event, is Saturday, Feb. 12.

Pledge forms are available at the Chamber of Commerce office at 1 Bridge Plaza (Ogdensburg Bridge & Port Authority Administration Building) or call and the Chamber will email you one. Each year the number of jumper increase for this favorite wintertime event.

New this year, there will be big prizes for the costume contest with a $50 prize going to the winners in three categories: Funniest, Craziest and Most Original.

Of course the big prize goes to the person bringing in the most money in pledges.

They will take home 10 percent of the entire purse.

Again this year each jumper will receive a free meal.

The Chamber will be serving hot coffee, cocoa, hot dogs, and nachos & cheese.

This year the Ogdensburg Zonta Club will hold a bake sale in the Visitor’s Center during the plunge.

North Country Savings Bank will be handing out hand warmers, foot warmers, and headbands.

SummerHaven Pools & Spas will provide a hot tub for the plungers to warm up in and there are hot showers available in the boaters lounge of the Visitor’s Center.

Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. in the lobby of the Visitor’s Center the day of the Plunge.

Children under 18 will need the written consent of their parent or guardian to jump.

To participate, call the Chamber office at 393-3620 for a pledge sheet or go to St. Lawrence Federal Credit Union, Phillips Diner, Kimro’s Pharmacy, NBT Bank or North Country Savings Bank to pick up a pledge sheet.

Some interesting facts:

• In 2008 there was 149 inches of snow on the ground for the Polar Bear Plunge.

• The ice is usually between 19 and 22 inches thick, the water temp is about 34 degrees.

• The Ogdensburg Volunteer Rescue Squad cuts the 5’x5’ hole in the ice using a huge chainsaw.

• They provide harnesses for each jumper, a ladder in the hole to climb out of the water and assist the jumpers getting out.