Dive into the arctic waters

January 6, 8:21 PMHigh Country Tourism ExaminerDanielle Beavers

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It’s time to take a plunge.  No, not that kind of plunge! This one takes you into the icy depths of the High Country’s local ponds and lakes.  With Winterfest 2009 right around the corner, it is time to prepare you finest costumes and plunge into the frigid waters, all for a good cause and, of course, some fun.

Blowing Rock’s annual Winterfest 2009 begins January 22^nd, throughout this long weekend there are many perks that come with visiting the High Country in the middle of winter, from samplings of the area’s best restaurants to free hayrides and hot chocolate (going on practically the entire weekend) as you shop the local boutiques. One of the biggest events to take place during the Winterfest is the Polar Plunge (10 a.m. on Jan. 24^th) into Chetola Lake.  During this time many locals as well as visitors don whatever wacky costume they can conjure up and hurdle into the hole cut away within the ice of the lake. Whether you are jumping or a spectator this is sure to be an entertaining spectacle.

January is not the only icy jump that takes place yearly in the High Country.  In February, Appalachian State University holds its annual Polar Plunge to support the Special Olympics of the High Country.  Students and non-students alike join together to get dressed up and raise money for a great cause while jumping into the University’s Duck Pond.