HYPE is planning the 2019 Polar Plunge at Pyne Road Park’s Mega Ramp on Feb. 9.

The Polar Plunge will feature warm drinks, live music by Front Porch Collective, family entertainment and the Jackson Services tent to warm up in after the plunge. A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit the West Point Lake Coalition.

“Our main objective for HYPE putting this on is a portion of the proceeds are going to the West Point Lake Coalition,” said Leslie Traylor, director of membership engagement for the LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce. “Our goal is to help maintain a solar buoy, as part of their solar buoy initiative program that the West Point Lake Coalition has going on. We want to be able to help contribute for the expenses of a solar buoy.”

Solar buoys are used to mark shorelines, swim areas and other obstacles in the lake, which has been one of the area’s largest tourist attractions for years.

“West Point Lake is a tremendous asset for visitors and residents alike,” Traylor said. “Donating a portion of the proceeds from the Polar Plunge, in support of the solar buoy project, is a natural extension of the chamber’s role in advocacy for and promotion of the lake.”

Beyond the games and live music, participants are also encouraged to have fun with what they wear and can enter the costume contest.

“We’d love to see anything from the t-rex costumes that you see a lot of to superheroes,” Traylor said. “While I was doing my research on what is a polar plunge, all the way to how to plan for a polar plunge, there are many images out there… of people who are jumping into lakes and running into the ocean in different costumes. We thought it would be very funny for us to encourage the same.”

However, participants are encouraged to take the weather into account when choosing their costume.

“I think most might want to be in a wet suit at this point because it is going to be so cold, but we definitely encourage costumes,” Traylor said. “It is a fun event for the entire family. We are having a costume contest too, so we’ll be giving out a trophy for the funniest.”

Traylor said that HYPE also hopes to give out awards for biggest splash, best splash and other categories.

Long sleeved Polar Plunge t-shirts will be available to those who preregister while supplies last. Preregistration ends on Feb. 1 and costs $20 for one jump and the t-shirt, plus $5 to enter dash for the cash. Registration will continue through the day of the event and costs $25, plus $5 to enter dash for the cash and does not guarantee a t-shirt.

Participants will be required to sign a waiver, wear water shoes and bring a towel, extra shoes and change of clothes. Participants must be over 18 years of age to take part in the plunge.

The Polar Plunge will take place at Pyne Road Park’s Mega Ramp on Feb. 9. Check-in will begin at 10 a.m. The costume parade and plunge will begin at 11 a.m.

The dash for cash will take place at noon. For more information or to register, visit Business.lagrangechamber.com/events/details/2019-polar-plunge-4895