By JON HARRISON/ Staff Writer

The Pelham Police Department will host its fifth annual Oak Mountain State Park Polar Plunge fundraiser on Saturday, Jan. 31.

The Polar Plunge is an event created by the Law Enforcement Torch Run benefitting Special Olympics. The Law Enforcement Torch Run is a grassroots fundraising effort and has more than 46,000 members in 46 countries. The Torch Run is celebrating its 30^th year in Shelby County this year.

The Polar Plunge fundraiser raises the most money for Special Olympics across the country each year.

This year is Pelham Police Officer Mike William’s fifth year to participate in the Polar Plunge and his second year organizing the event.

“I have a special heart for this,” said Williams

The event will be held on the beach at Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham.

Participants will start on the beach and run into Double Oak Lake.

“I checked the water temperature last year and it was around 47 degrees the day of the plunge,” said Williams.

There will be a diver in the water at all times and medical personnel on site in the event of any sort of emergency.

A costume contest is also a part of the festivities.

“Just wear whatever crazy costume you want to wear,” said Williams

To register for the Polar Plunge go to oakmountainstateparkpolarplunge.eventbright.com. Participants may register as individuals or as a team.

The fundraiser will also include a large bonfire to warm up by after participants have taken the plunge.

Dino, from 103.7 the Q radio station will be in attendance and will also have a team taking the plunge.
Williams said festivities will start at 8 a.m. and the Polar Plunge will take place at 10 a.m.