LEESBURG — Pie-Eyed Petey’s hosted their 9th Annual Polar Bear Plunge event Saturday, Jan. 20. A large crowd began gathering immediately after the doors opened at 10 a.m. Registration for the plunge began at noon.

With temperatures in the mid to high 30’s, it was quite a bit cooler than the 50 degree temps enjoyed by participants and spectators last year.

At 1 p.m. the main event took place, with approximately 137 participants entering the water at Lake Tippecanoe. Reported water temperature was 37 degrees.

Eric Neyer, St. Louis, Mo., is currently in Indiana working for Zimmer Biomet. Neyer described the plunge as, “Awesome. The most refreshing thing I’ve done in the last couple of years. It was amazing,” and said, “I think everyone should come to Indiana and do this.”

Luke Zearing, Warsaw, and Brian Moss, Warsaw, are first time plunge participants, having just moved here from Pennsylvania. Both said they will participate in the plunge again next year if they are still in the area.

The Polar Bear Plunge event is held annually to raise money and collect nonperishable food items for the North Webster and Syracuse food pantries.

Emergency personnel were onsite, and professional dive crew members were in the water to assist in maintaining the safety of all participants.