Polar Pig Splash aids hospice

• Taking the Plunge

FILE PHOTO: “Groper” Gary Olson takes the plunge Saturday as part of the Polar Pig Splash at Stutsman Harley-Davidson. (Katie Ryan / The Sun)

Talk about it

Pirates will once again take over Stutsman Harley-Davidson Saturday, raising money for the Jamestown Regional Medical Center Hospice Foundation in the Polar Pig Splash.

Participants in the Polar Pig Splash walk the plank for hospice. Starting at noon, they will jump into an 800-gallon tank of water during one of the coldest months of the year.

“We raised about $12,000 last year,” said Don Wegner, activities director for the Harley Owners Group of Jamestown. “… it’s always gotten bigger and bigger.”

In its first year, the Splash earned $4,000 for the hospice program, and the fundraising has grown every year since.

People tend to do crazy things at the Polar Pig Splash, all to benefit their cause. There are prizes for team spirit, wildest costume and best splash, which prompts some cannonball attempts.

Jumpers have come dressed as pigs, clowns and once, Wegner recalled, somebody dressed up as a chicken.

And, should this year’s event raise $20,000, Wegner will have his head shaved.

“It’s doable, $20,000 is. I’m going to bring a stocking cap just in case,” he said.

Generally, about 15 or 20 people participate in the Polar Pig Splash, but the crowd numbers in the hundreds. Even the first year when it was 20 below zero, a hundred people turned out to watch the event.

“When you hit the water, the water hit the sidewalk where people were standing — it just froze,” Wegner recalled.

The forecast for Saturday’s event is much friendlier, with a high of 21 and a low of 6.

To help take the edge off the chill, the Polar Pig Splash also features a chili cook-off, with taste-testing running from 10 a.m. to noon.

For $5, people can taste the 15 to 20 chilis entered in the contest. Past chilis have included ingredients as diverse as chicken, rice and seafood. Tasters sample each chili and vote on the best one. The winner receives a plaque as well as bragging rights.

“It’s open to everybody,” said George Quigley, of District 8 Abate of North Dakota, who is organizing the chili cook-off.

Competitors should pre-register for the contest by calling 320-5355. Chili should be brought to the site before 10 a.m.

All money from the chili cook-off goes toward the hospice program, along with funds raised by the silent auction, which begins at 9 a.m.

“You don’t want to use (hospice) ever, but it’s a good program for people who do need it,” Wegner said.

Sun reporter Kari Lucin can be reached at 701-952-8453 or by email at klucin@jamestownsun.com

Tags: local news, news, polar, pig, splash