La Crosse Polar Plunge

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find out what time my team will be plunging?
Plunge times will be assigned on a first come, first serve basis at the pre-registration sites. When the first person from your team registers, they will sign up for a plunge time and receive a group info card. The group info card must be completed and turned in to the emcee prior to plunging in order to share fun facts about your team with the crowd.

Do I need to attend a pre-registration event?
Attending a pre-registration event is strongly encouraged! Each team member can turn in their pledges and will receive all earned incentive prizes. One team member can pre-register the entire team; however, all team members must have either registered on-line or must have a completed registration form. Also, by attending a pre-registration event you will avoid long lines on plunge day and you will know your plunge time!

Where and when will the pre-registration events be held?
Pre-registration events:

Thursday, February 28th, 10:00am – 2:00pm at UW-La Crosse Port O Call Lounge in Cartwright Center (1741 State Street, La Crosse)
Thursday, February 28th, 11:00am – 1:00pm at Tomah High School (901 Lincoln Avenue, Tomah)
Thursday, February 28th, 4:00pm – 7:00pm at the Onalaska Center for Commerce & Tourism (1101 Main Street, Onalaska)
Thursday, February 28th, 4:30pm – 6:30pm at the Boys & Girls Club of Sparta (1000 East Montgomery Street, Sparta)
Friday, February 29th; 10:00am – 7:00pm at Loons on La Crosse (next to Howie’s, 1128 State Street, La Crosse)

If I registered on-line, do I have to attend a pre-registration event?
It is strongly encouraged! If you have collected cash or checks, you can turn them in at a pre-registration event. You will also receive all the incentives you have earned at this time. Also, by attending a pre-registration event you will avoid long lines on plunge day and you will know your plunge time! (Everyone who plunges must attend a pre-registration or go through registration the day of the plunge.)

How will the volunteers at registration know the amount I have raised on-line?
Registration volunteers will have a print-out of on-line pledges, however Plungers that have raised money on-line are encouraged to print off their on-line pledge page prior to registering to ensure it is the most current amount in order to receive full credit for their pledges.

If I attend a pre-registration event, do I have to register again at the plunge on Saturday?
No, unless you have additional pledges to turn in. Once you have attended a pre-registration event, turned in your pledges and received your incentives, you are registered for the Plunge. On Saturday, you just show up, sign your waiver and jump!

If you have received additional pledges between the time you attended a pre-registration event and the day of the Plunge, you can stop by the registration area to turn in your additional donations.

A donor would like a receipt. How do I get a receipt for them?
If the donor pledged on-line, a receipt will have been e-mailed directly to them. Receipts will be available can be given at registration for checks and cash at your request.

Do my matching gifts count towards my incentives?
Yes. Please turn in the completed matching gift form with your pledges at registration. The matching gift will be added to your pledge total.

I am plunging on a team - Does each team member need to register individually?
Yes! All plungers must register and raise money as an individual, and you plunge as a group. Team members can register on-line or by using a registration brochure.

My team has a plunge time and I can’t attend a pre-registration event. How much time will it take to register on Saturday?
Registration on Saturday can take anywhere from 10-30 minutes. Plungers will not be allowed to skip to the front of the line in order to make their plunge time. The busiest time for registration the day of the event tends to be between 10:30am – 1:30pm. Please plan to arrive with enough time to register and get ready for your plunge!

Does everyone need to sign a waiver? What about plungers under 18?
YES! All plungers will be required to sign a waiver at the Polar Plunge. This will be done as you make your way to the water’s edge. If the plunger is under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must sign a waiver for the minor plunger. If the parent//guardian will not be at the plunge, a waiver can be printed from the website or picked up at a pre-registration event. The minor plunger must then bring this waiver with them to the plunge and turn it in where all other plungers are signing waivers.

If someone is coming to take pictures of my plunge, can they come with me?
No. The plunger area is a secure area for plungers only! All plungers will receive a wristband indicating that they are registered for the event and this will allow access into the plunge area. The La Crosse Area Camera Club will be taking photos throughout the day. These photos will be available at www.specialolympicswisconsin.org within a week or two after the plunge!

Where do I park for the Polar Plunge?
Parking is available at both boat landings off Clinton Street and Copeland Park. Parking is also available on side streets in the area.

What do I wear to plunge?
Plungers generally wear a bathing suit or shorts and a t-shirt; and shoes are recommended. Costumes and group themes are encouraged and prizes will be awarded for best costume and best group plunge. Remember, this is a family event!

How far in do I have to plunge?
Plungers will run in from the beach and you will be able to plunge to your comfort level. Some plungers go in to their waist, others to their neck and some fully submerge (for the full effect). We want all plungers to have a safe and fun plunge, so please plunge to your comfort level!

What other festivities are taking place during or after the plunge?
While at the plunge, be sure to check out the big top tent. Concessions will be available, souvenirs will be sold and there will be activities for the polar cubs in the kid’s area.

After the plunge, warm up at the Post Plunge Party! The party will be held following the plunge at Loons on La Crosse Street (next to Howie’s, 1128 State Street, La Crosse) from 5-8pm. This is a family friendly event with music and a slideshow featuring photos from the past 10 years! There will also be complimentary food and beverages. Plungers get in free with an orange wristband; $5 for all others!

Pat McCurdy will be back again at Loons on La Crosse Street (next to Howie’s, 1128 State Street, La Crosse) from 9-11:30pm. Tickets at the door - $10; $5 for plungers with an orange wristband! Must be 21 for Pat McCurdy!

What do I do if I get more pledges after the Plunge is over? Where do I send them?
If you receive late pledges, they can still be turned in and credited to your plunge. They can be mailed to Special Olympics Wisconsin, Attn: Kerry, 400 La Crosse Street, La Crosse, WI 54601. Please include the plunger’s name and plunger’s team name if applicable.

I am not able to attend the plunge, but I have collected pledges. What should I do with them?
Pledges can be mailed to Special Olympics Wisconsin, Attn: Kerry, 400 La Crosse Street, La Crosse, WI 54601. Please include your name and contact information. If you have raised $75 or more, your incentives will be shipped to you, based on availability.