Two dozen polar bears expected At Pigeon Forge Plunge

Groundhog Day event to defy winter, raise money for United Way Twenty to 25 brave (if not foolhardy)souls are expected to dive into the chilly water of the Pigeon ForgeCommunity Center’s outdoor pool on Thursday. Their incentive is raising money for the Sevier County United Way and theprivilege of saying they participated in the third annual Pigeon ForgeGroundhog Day Polar Bear Plunge. It is sponsored by the City of PigeonForge. “I get cold myself whenever I tell someone about the Polar Bear Plunge, butits for a great cause,” said Roseann Stelzman, an event organizer andaquatics manager at the Pigeon Forge Community Center. The first two Polar Bear Plunges raised almost $5,000 for the United Way.Among the early commitments was Anita King of the city’s department oftourism.  She has been the top city fundraiser in the first two years,generating almost $1,000. Prizes are awarded in four categories: Top individual fundraiser, top citydepartment fundraiser, top business fundraiser and most spirit/best costume. The Polar Bear Plunge is Thursday from 4:30-6 pm at the Pigeon ForgeCommunity Center. Registration information is available from RoseannStelzman or Tom Hollick at 429-7373. Registrations are welcome up until thetime the plunging begins.