While most people are piling on layers to combat the cold, participants in the 2009 Polar Plunge will wear costumes while leaping into frozen Lake Winnebago Feb. 21 at Menominee Park in Oshkosh.

The annual charity event, themed “Freezin’ for a Reason,” requires students, staff and faculty to raise at least $75 each to benefit Special Olympics and then jump into the chilly water.

Participants can warm up in the outside hot tub and enjoy music, food and drink inside the heated party tent. Day-of registration begins at 10 a.m. The plunging begins at noon and lasts until 2:30 p.m.

For more information or to register for the event visit, www.specialolympicswisconsin.org/plunge_a4.asp.